PhD student position in Applied Environmental Science focusing on understanding and quantifying human exposure pathways for emerging contaminants at the Department of Applied Environmental Science. Reference number SU ITM-2012-21. Deadline for applications: November 20, 2012.
Project description
This PhD/Early Stage Researcher (ESR) project is offered within the FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN): Advanced Tools for Exposure Assessment and Biomonitoring (A-TEAM). A-TEAM’s main research goal is to further understanding of how and to what extent consumer chemicals enter humans, and of how we can best monitor the presence of such chemicals in our indoor environment, diet, and bodies.
For more information about A-TEAM and the 12 PhD and 3 post-doctoral positions available, see
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/47133213/A-...TEAM_Home.html.
IMPORTANT! The advertised position is open only to Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) who have spent less than 12 months in Sweden in the last three years. Applicants must also be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers (see under Selection criteria for more information). The focus of this particular PHD (ESR7 in the A-Team project) is in understanding and quantifying the human exposure pathways and pharmacokinetics of selected emerging organic contaminants (namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and emerging brominated flame retardants) using a combination of experimental and modeling approaches. The project will especially consider the relationship between external exposure and internal doses/concentrations of chemicals within humans. Most research activities will take place at the Department of Applied Environmental Science, Stockholm University located in Stockholm, the largest city in Sweden. Research activities will be carried out within the Contaminant Chemistry Unit, under the supervision of Professor Ian Cousins.
As the position is offered in the framework of a Marie Curie ITN, joint research efforts are an integral part of the project, ensuring a stimulating and international environment. The candidate will benefit from high quality training in research and complementary techniques and from scientific visits and secondments to other partners in the consortium. The candidate will collaborate closely with four other A-TEAM PhD students stationed at Stockholm University (3) and at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd (1), in Stockholm.
Besides a full employment contract, including social security, the candidate will receive a mobility allowance.
Academic requirements
To be accepted to the ITM research study program, the applicant must have a university degree at the advanced level (e.g. Masters) or at least 240 hp/HEC, of which at least 60 hp/HEC at the advanced level. A university degree in chemistry, environmental science, informatics or a related field is desirable. Experience in computer programming and database management is an asset. It is desirable that the applicant also have 30 hp/HEC in other natural science subjects different from the major. The academic requirements may be considered to be fulfilled if the applicant has acquired equivalent knowledge some other way. A very good command of oral and written English is required.
Selection criteria
The selection is based on the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue the research education. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express her/himself verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with other researchers. The evaluation will be made based on the relevance of past education and experience, grades from previous university courses (in particular at the advanced level), the quality and ambition of the independent project work, references, a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.
IMPORTANT! This position is open only to individuals who have spent less than 12 months in Sweden in the last three years. Applicants must also be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree that would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in Sweden. Applications are welcome from both EU citizens and from outside the EU (subject to relevant immigration formalities). Recruitment within A-TEAM aims to fulfil the equal opportunity objectives of the Marie Curie programme and hence applications are welcomed from applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, and from individuals wishing to resume research careers after a break.
Stockholm University strives to be a work place that is free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Information
For more information, please contact Prof. Ian Cousins, telephone +46-(0)8-16 4012, e-mail
ian.cousins@itm.su.se. See also ITMs website:
www.itm.su.se.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
telephone +46-(0)8-16 2000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.
Application
Your application, including CV, transcripts of all university courses with grades, a copy of your university degree, a cover letter motivating your interest for this position, name and contact information of two references, and any other documents you would like to include (e.g., diploma thesis/“examensarbete”),
must be submitted, no later than November 20, 2012, by e-mail to:
phdapplication@itm.su.se.
Applications should be in Word or PDF format. Note! Please include the reference number SU ITM-2012-21 in the subject line of your e-mail.