PhD Student in Environmental Science (Stockholm University)

Institution: Stockholm University – Department of Environmental Science Employment: Full-time, temporary (doctoral student) Salary: Fixed salary Number of positions: 1 Full-time equivalent: 100% Location: Stockholm, Sweden Reference number: SU FV-0709-26 Application deadline: 22 April 2026 Published: 25 February 2026 Department Overview The Department of Environmental Science is one of the largest at the Faculty of Science, with four units and more than 170 staff members from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focus on: Chemical contaminants Atmospheric science Biogeochemistry (Eco)toxicology The department has a strong international profile and dynamic research environment. Project Description This PhD project, within the Unit for Atmospheric Science, will investigate the chemical composition and toxicity of airborne particles from quartz-containing materials such as: Artificial stone Concrete Brick Natural stone Sand Key aspects of the research: Quartz dust exposure affects over 200,000 employees in Sweden, particularly during processing of high-quartz materials. The project aims to identify which particle properties cause harmful effects using a human Air–Liquid Interface (ALI) lung cell model. Particles will be tested both fresh and aged, directly or via collected samples in submerged cell cultures. Toxicity endpoints include cell death, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Particle chemical reactivity will be assessed using advanced analytical methods. Collaboration with other universities (e.g., Uppsala University) will involve research visits. Qualification Requirements General entry requirements: Completed second-cycle degree (Master’s or equivalent, 240 credits, including 60 second-cycle credits) or equivalent knowledge Specific entry requirements: At least 45 second-cycle credits in natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30-credit thesis Additional 30 credits in other natural science subjects Selection criteria: Documented knowledge in relevant research field Analytical and creative thinking Initiative and independence Collaboration skills Written and oral English proficiency Experience in cell culturing and experimental toxicology (emphasized) Statistical analysis of experimental data (advantageous) Employment Details Fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) Employment may not exceed the full-time doctoral education period (4 years) Up to 20% of employment may include work with education, research, or administration Employment renewed for maximum two years at a time after the first year Contact Associate Professor Karine Elihn Phone: +46 8 674 77 63 Email: Karine.Elihn@aces.su.se Application Instructions Apply via Stockholm University recruitment system Attach personal letter, CV, and all requested documents Ensure application completeness according to instructions before the deadline Stockholm University promotes equal opportunities and a discrimination-free workplace If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Engineeroxy

Institution: Stockholm University – Department of Environmental Science
Employment: Full-time, temporary (doctoral student)
Salary: Fixed salary
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Reference number: SU FV-0709-26
Application deadline: 22 April 2026
Published: 25 February 2026

Department Overview

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the largest at the Faculty of Science, with four units and more than 170 staff members from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focus on:

Chemical contaminants
Atmospheric science
Biogeochemistry
(Eco)toxicology

The department has a strong international profile and dynamic research environment.

Project Description

This PhD project, within the Unit for Atmospheric Science, will investigate the chemical composition and toxicity of airborne particles from quartz-containing materials such as:

Artificial stone
Concrete
Brick
Natural stone
Sand

Key aspects of the research:

Quartz dust exposure affects over 200,000 employees in Sweden, particularly during processing of high-quartz materials.
The project aims to identify which particle properties cause harmful effects using a human Air–Liquid Interface (ALI) lung cell model.
Particles will be tested both fresh and aged, directly or via collected samples in submerged cell cultures.
Toxicity endpoints include cell death, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.
Particle chemical reactivity will be assessed using advanced analytical methods.
Collaboration with other universities (e.g., Uppsala University) will involve research visits.

Qualification Requirements

General entry requirements:

Completed second-cycle degree (Master’s or equivalent, 240 credits, including 60 second-cycle credits) or equivalent knowledge

Specific entry requirements:

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

Selection criteria:

Documented knowledge in relevant research field
Analytical and creative thinking
Initiative and independence
Collaboration skills
Written and oral English proficiency
Experience in cell culturing and experimental toxicology (emphasized)
Statistical analysis of experimental data (advantageous)

Employment Details

Fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100)
Employment may not exceed the full-time doctoral education period (4 years)
Up to 20% of employment may include work with education, research, or administration
Employment renewed for maximum two years at a time after the first year