Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Science

University of Gothenburg

Reference Number: PAR 2025/873

Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Department: Earth Sciences
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Position Type: Doctoral student / Third-cycle education
Start Date: March 1, 2026 or by agreement
Application Deadline: 11 January 2026

About the University

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, it is a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students worldwide. The University contributes to a better future with new knowledge and perspectives.

Department Website: Earth Sciences
Doctoral Studies Info: Doctoral Studies at GU

About the Research Group

Dr. Philipp Wanner’s research group is part of the Department of Earth Sciences and belongs to the Geosphere research theme. The group conducts fundamental and applied research in contaminant hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry, focusing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and plastic particles in groundwater and drinking water.

• Instrumentation: State-of-the-art stable isotope and elemental analysis
• Collaborations: National and international partners in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, the USA, and France
• Research Focus: Identification of contaminant sources, environmental behavior, and hydrogeochemical processes

Research Group Website: Philipp Wanner

Project Description

The PhD project, “Revolutionizing PFAS Source Identification in Drinking Water with a Novel Stable Isotope Method”, is funded by the Swedish Research Council.

• Objective: Develop and apply innovative stable isotope methods to trace sources of PFAS in drinking water.
• Scope: Interdisciplinary work at the intersection of analytical chemistry, hydrogeochemistry, and environmental science.
• Collaboration: Work with Prof. Lutz Ahrens (SLU, Sweden) and Prof. Orfan Shouakar-Stash (University of Waterloo, Canada).
• Degree: Four years of full-time doctoral studies leading to a doctoral degree in Natural Science, specializing in Environmental Science.

Duties

• Conduct research under supervision, including field and laboratory work.
• Develop and apply novel analytical methods for source identification of PFAS.
• Collaborate with national and international research partners.
• Departmental duties may comprise up to 20% of employment (teaching, research, administration).

Eligibility

General Requirements:

• Second-cycle (Master’s) degree or equivalent (240 ECTS, 60 at second-cycle level).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or contaminant hydrogeology.
• Experience with field and laboratory work.
• Experience with numerical simulations is an asset.
• Strong oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment Criteria

• Ability to assimilate doctoral studies
• Relevant academic and research experience
• Motivation and suitability for the research project
• Potential for independent and collaborative research

Admission and Employment

• Type: Temporary employment for four years, full-time
• Location: Department of Earth Sciences, Gothenburg
• First Day: March 1, 2026 or by agreement
• Employment Rules: Ordinance SFS 1993:100 applies.
• Employment periods may be renewed annually up to four years.
• Physical presence in Gothenburg required; residence permit needed for non-EU applicants.
• Salary: According to local doctoral student agreement

Contact Information

• Supervisor: Dr. Philipp Wanner – philipp.wanner@gu.se

Union Representatives: GU Union Info

Application Requirements

Applications should be submitted via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal and must include:

1. Cover letter (maximum 1 A4 page) describing suitability for the position
2. CV including education, qualifications, and experience
3. Copies of examination certificates and transcripts
4. Master thesis (or equivalent)
5. Employment certificates or other relevant documents
6. Contact information for at least two references

Deadline: 11 January 2026

Information for International Applicants

• Welcome Services at GU
• Living in Gothenburg

The University actively promotes equal working conditions and values diversity.