PhD Studentships in Mineral Surface (Geo)Chemistry and Catalysis, Umeå University, Sweden

Umeå University - with its 29,000 students and over 4,000 employees – is an organisation in constant change and development. The university’s researchers carry out excellence within several areas of research, and many of them are among the world’s elite. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.

Two Ph.D. Studentships in Mineral Surface (Geo)Chemistry & Catalysis (4 years)

Minerals play a central role in regulating the composition of natural and contaminated waters in our environment. A fundamental understanding of the biogeochemistry of mineral surfaces is consequently essential to predict environmental processes. Our research activities are centered on resolving molecular-scale reactions at mineral surfaces and involve a variety of experimental (FTIR, TPD, XPS, electrophoresis, potentiometry) and computational (quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, chemometrics, thermodynamics, kinetics) methods. Two Ph.D. studentships are currently available on a choice of projects involving (1) the gas-phase reactivity of mineral surfaces, (2) mineral/water interface structure and electrochemistry, (3) isotopic fractionation and coordination chemical aspects of carbon sequestration, and (4) nanoparticle/oligomer chemistry. The successful candidates will have access to excellent research facilities that are supported by competent scientific staff and will benefit from pleasant working conditions.

For more information, contact Jean-François Boily, +46 (0)90 786 5270 or jean-francois.boily@chem.umu.se for further information. Union information is available from SACO, +46 (0)90 786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46 (0)90 786 52 96 and ST, +46 (0)90 786 54 31.

Applicants are required to have fulfilled one of the following prerequisites: (1) 240 ECTS-credits (swe. Högkloepoäng) of higher education studies, 90 points of which should be in (geo)chemistry and/or related subjects and 15 from advanced levels (Master), or (2) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe. poäng; i.e. 180 ECTS-credits) if the studies were taken prior July 1, 2007, or (3) the equivalent of a Bachelors of Science with Honors (B.Sc., Hon.) and/or a Master of Science (M.Sc.).

The applications should include (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) names and contacts of 1-3 references and (3) a cover letter. Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-3990-08, should be
sent to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive January 15, 2009 at the latest.

Closing date: January 15, 2009