PhD Position in Environmental Science (Stockholm University)

Department Overview The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science. Research Unit At the Unit for Contaminant Chemistry we study all aspects of the occurrence of pollutants in the environment. Areas of particular focus include: Discovery of new contaminants Understanding chemical, physical and biological pathways of contaminants Development of novel tools and techniques We strive to synthesize scientific understanding about: Sources Transport Transformation Bioaccumulation Pharmacokinetics of environmental contaminants These are integrated into mathematical models that inspire new scientific hypotheses and support environmental decision-making. Project Description Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in healthcare due to their unique properties. However, their extreme persistence and potential health and environmental impacts have created an urgent need to understand where PFAS are used, why they are used, and whether safer alternatives can meet essential performance requirements. As part of the PFAROS Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) consortium, this project will: Map PFAS uses in the healthcare sector using:Determine functional requirements driving PFAS selection Literature review AI-assisted data mining Search methods Stakeholder engagement Identify alternatives using function-based substitution principles and PFAROS data resources Conduct alternatives assessments integrating:Develop recommendations for PFAS substitution in healthcare Hazard Exposure Technical performance Full life-cycle impacts Identify near-term replacements and research gaps The student will work closely with PFAROS partners across academia and industry and gain experience in alternatives assessment and regulatory-relevant research supporting Europe’s transition toward safer healthcare materials. Qualification Requirements To be admitted to postgraduate education, applicants must meet general and specific entry requirements. General entry requirements: Second-cycle degree, OR At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second cycle, OR Equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or elsewhere Specific entry requirements: At least 45 second-cycle credits in natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology), including a 30-credit thesis At least 30 credits in other natural science subjects outside the major Selection Criteria Selection is based on ability to benefit from training, assessed by: Documented knowledge in relevant research field Analytical and creative thinking Initiative Independence Ability to collaborate Quality and ambition of previous project work English proficiency (written and spoken) Employment Information Fixed-term doctoral employment under Swedish Higher Education Ordinance Maximum duration: 4 years full-time doctoral education May include up to 20% teaching, research, or administration Initial employment: 1 year, then renewal for up to 2 years at a time Equal opportunities workplace Contact Professor Ian Cousins ???? +46 72 148 92 32 ???? ian.cousins@aces.su.se Application Apply via Stockholm University recruitment system. Required documents: Personal letter CV Additional attachments as specified in application form Applicants are responsible for ensuring complete submission before deadline. Instructions: How to apply for a position Job Details Type of employment: Temporary position Contract type: Full time Salary: Fixed salary Number of positions: 1 Full-time equivalent: 100% City: Stockholm County: Stockholms län Country: Sweden Reference number: SU FV-2041-26 Key Dates Published: 15 June 2026 Last application date: 27 July 2026 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Department Overview

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries.

Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology.

As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Environmental Science.

Research Unit

At the Unit for Contaminant Chemistry we study all aspects of the occurrence of pollutants in the environment.

Areas of particular focus include:

Discovery of new contaminants
Understanding chemical, physical and biological pathways of contaminants
Development of novel tools and techniques

We strive to synthesize scientific understanding about:

Sources
Transport
Transformation
Bioaccumulation
Pharmacokinetics of environmental contaminants

These are integrated into mathematical models that inspire new scientific hypotheses and support environmental decision-making.

Project Description

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in healthcare due to their unique properties. However, their extreme persistence and potential health and environmental impacts have created an urgent need to understand where PFAS are used, why they are used, and whether safer alternatives can meet essential performance requirements.

As part of the PFAROS Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) consortium, this project will:

Map PFAS uses in the healthcare sector using:Determine functional requirements driving PFAS selection
- Literature review
- AI-assisted data mining
- Search methods
- Stakeholder engagement
Identify alternatives using function-based substitution principles and PFAROS data resources
Conduct alternatives assessments integrating:Develop recommendations for PFAS substitution in healthcare
- Hazard
- Exposure
- Technical performance
- Full life-cycle impacts
Identify near-term replacements and research gaps

The student will work closely with PFAROS partners across academia and industry and gain experience in alternatives assessment and regulatory-relevant research supporting Europe’s transition toward safer healthcare materials.

Qualification Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education, applicants must meet general and specific entry requirements.

General entry requirements:

Second-cycle degree, OR
At least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second cycle, OR
Equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or elsewhere

Specific entry requirements:

At least 45 second-cycle credits in natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology), including a 30-credit thesis
At least 30 credits in other natural science subjects outside the major