PhD student in hydrology, with a specialization in plant treatment of sites contaminated separately

The multi -wireless substances (PFAS) pose a threat to drinking water resources in Sweden and all over the world. Are you interested in working with the plant treatment of PFAS sites, with the support of the specialized colleagues and the newlyweds in an international environment? Are you looking for a business owner who invests in delivering sustainable work and provides safe and favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a position as a PhD student in hydrology, with a specialization in the plant treatment of the sites contaminated with the University of Oppsala.

Description of the project

In Sweden, thousands of people had received drinking water contaminated with alkalil and polycarbonate (PFAs), the so -called “chemicals forever” that did not collapse naturally and harm health even in very low concentrations. One of the most important sources of PFAs in the environment is the sites of old fires training, where firefighting foam that contains PFAs has been used for decades. Such sites are found all over the world and constitute a global problem. The excavation and the destruction of polluted soil in PFAS is in many cases that are not possible in practice due to the very high costs or the problem that is transferred from one place to another. Therefore, there is a great need for the alternative site Treatment methods for polluted sites PFAS.

The project will study the possibility of using the Salix (Willow) factory for plant processing for the PFAs fire -polluting areas. Many PFAs have high water soluble and spread from contaminated soil to groundwater and surface water. The transmission of PFAS means that it can also be eaten by plants, which can be harvested and destroyed by controlled burning. SALIX also runs and transports a lot of water, which reduces the amount of water that penetrates the soil file and thus also reduces PFAs filtration. Moreover, Salix adds organic materials to the soil, which increases carbon content and is especially linked to the lower soluble PFAS. Thus, plant treatment with Salix has good potential to slow down, and in the long run, it reduces the pfas concentration in polluted areas.

At the fire training sites in Christianstad, rescue the firefighter in Ohus and Cristianstad, there are high levels of PFAs in soil and groundwater. The project is a cooperation between researchers at the University of Christianstad and the University of Oppsala, representatives of the Christianstad rescue service and Laqua Treatment AB. The project will evaluate Salix’s ability to extract PFAs from groundwater and soil in the scientific studies subject to control in the laboratory, pilot and field scale. As a PhD student in the project, you will work on all parts of the project in cooperation and support for other project partners.

Duties

To work on all parts of the research project, the results are published in scientific journals (these articles become part of the doctoral thesis), the current results in national and international conferences and project meetings, contribute to the final report of the project and publish the results. PhD studies also include courses chosen according to the needs of a doctoral student and the research project. We also offer the possibility of participation in teaching, but this is voluntary.

Field experiments and studies will be conducted mainly in or near Christianstad, under the supervision and leadership of the University of Christianstad (HKR), while the official doctorate education at UPSA University (UU). So a doctoral student will divide their time between UU and HKR. The distribution is estimated at about 50 % in each university, with some flexibility and the ability to adapt time distribution depending on the project’s needs and what is the most practical. The project is a close cooperation between universities, and the PhD student will have a major supervisor in UU and the supervisor (S) assistant (S) at HKR.

requirements

To meet entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• Holding a master’s degree (second cycle) in hydrology, hydrogen science, environment and/or water engineering, environmental science, technical geology or equivalent
• I completed at least 240 credit hours in higher education, with at least 60 credit hours at the master’s level, including an independent project of at least 15 credit hours, or
• I gained knowledge of a large extent in another way.

Excellent and written English is a requirement. You should be able to work effectively individually and in a group and operate scientific projects in cooperation with other researchers.

Additional qualifications

Knowing the plant treatment of pollutants and transport mechanisms in PFAS in the soil water system is especially useful for this position. Experience in laboratories and/or field work related to pollution issues is useful, as well as knowing the modeling of transportation operations in the soil and water system and the knowledge of soil treatment techniques. We also put great importance on personal qualities such as dedication, analytical skills, the ability to cooperate and the ability to work for goals and goals in an organized manner, planning and complete projects. Driving license (B) is useful because field work in Christianstad and the surrounding area can be facilitated by accessing the car. The ability to communicate in Swedish is an advantage.

PhD students control the Higher Education Law Chapter 5 and § 1-7 and in Obsala University rules and guidelinesS.

About work

Employment is a temporary position according to the higher education judge Chapter 5 § 7. Employment range 100 %. The start date of December 1, 2025 or As agreed. Place: Obsala

For more information about this position, please contact: Email Fritjof Fagerland: Fritjof.fagerund@geo.uu.se.

In this employment, we replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when submitting your request. Answers will be used as part of the selection process.

Please send your request by 16 October 2025UFV-PA 2025/2795.

Are you thinking about moving to Sweden to work at the University of Oppsala? Learn more about what looks like work and live in Sweden.

Obsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and search for the highest quality and importance to create a difference in society. Our most important assets are all 7600 employees and 53,000 students, with curiosity and commitment, they make the University of Oppsala one of the most working places in Sweden.

Read more about our benefits and what is similar to work at Obsala University
https://u.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-SS/

The situation may be subject to security scrutiny. If the security examination is performed, the applicant must pass the audit to be eligible to work.

Reference Number: UFV-PA 2025/2795

Last request date: October 16, 2025