Research engineer

Ref. No. SU FV-2706-23
Closing date: 15 September 2023

The Stockholm University Department of Environmental Science is currently recruiting a research engineer and laboratory manager.

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the largest departments in the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University. 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 focus on atmospheric science, biogeochemical cycles, climate change, environmental and analytical chemistry, as well as chemical risk assessments.. The Biogeochemistry Unit has strong, externally-funded research with focus on the composition and functioning of the biogeosphere-atmosphere system, how it is affected by anthropogenic perturbations such as climate warming, and the natural cycles of carbon and other important elements and substances. Two research areas that attract large interests are (i) how the thawing permafrost in the Arctic affects large-scale carbon and nitrogen cycling, including triggering release of greenhouse gases, and (ii) how air pollution in Asia and Africa affects the composition of the atmosphere and the climate.

High-quality analysis of natural organic molecules in environmental samples from air, soil, water and sediments is since long central to our research. This can range from simple molecules such as methane, halocarbons (other VOCs) to lipids, amino acids and complex fractions of structural components such as lignin and cutin, as well as organometallic compounds. A central theme is the use of various gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, incl. extraction and sample preparation stages and data analysis. This "molecular biogeochemistry" is a core component of contemporary biogeochemistry.

We are now seeking a full-time Research Engineer to function as support for ongoing research activities, and be responsible in the role as laboratory manager as the long-term coordination of the organic analytical laboratory activities.

Main responsibilities

Main responsibilities are analytical laboratory management, including:

• Maintenance and troubleshooting of our gas chromatography systems: several GC-MS, GC-FID/ECD, a preparative Gerstel system with GC-FID coupled to a sample collector for compound-specific 14C analysis, and a GC-TQ-ICP-MS.
• Quality assurance and continuity of all organic-molecular methods, incl. training of Master, PhD students and post docs.
• Keeping inventories of samples and standards.
• Management of the unit's GC instrumental and organic wet chemistry research laboratories incl. lab safety and chemical inventories.

You will also be responsible for:

• Development and adaptation of analytical methods to target a widening range of organic compound classes, and development of more efficient and environmentally-friendly techniques for existing target substances.
• Preparation for and possibly participation in field-based research (if interested),
• Cntributing actively to developing and maintaining a positive work environment.

Qualification requirements

We seek a well-organized and service-oriented person with a great aptitude for both learning and mentoring new techniques, and with:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree with focus on organic analysis, or corresponding competence.
• Several years of laboratory work experience, after finishing degree/education, in the analysis of organic molecules in complex matrices.
• Documented experience of laboratory QA and data management.
• High ability to work efficiently both in groups and individually.
• Fluency in English in speaking and in writing; good knowledge of Swedish is an advantage (may otherwise be obtained in first two years).

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, indefinite-term position with a six-month trial period. Salaries at Stockholm University are determined individually; therefore, please indicate your requested salary. Start date immediately or per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Örjan Gustafsson, telephone: +46 703 24 73 17, orjan.gustafsson@aces.su.se, or Marcus Sundbom, Unit Head, telephone: +46 8 674 72 42, marcus.sundbom@aces.su.se.

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Only include the cover letter and CV in your application. Bring copies of grades and certificates if you are called to an interview.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 15/09/2023