PhD Position - Environmental fate of Bioplastics in Soils

Your Job:

The main focus of this PhD position is to examine the environmental behavior and fate of bioplastics in soils. Soils are one of key entry pathways in which bioplastics enter various vulnerable ecosystems. The project will focus on what happens to bioplastics once they have entered the soil, and crucially how the subsequent fate of the bioplastic is determining by soils and wider environmental factors (substrate, weather, physico-chemical and microbial status etc.). The project is part of a large research consortium looking into “Transitioning BioPlastics to the Circular Economy”.

Based on available 14C-labeled monomers radiolabeled bioplastic test substances will be prepared, needed in subsequent steps to investigate the environmental behavior of such bioplastics. Together with project partners the production of the required bioplastic will be established with (unlabelled) precursors in their laboratories, after which a production synthesis line will be set up in the IBG-3 labs approved using actual radioactive compounds.
The fate of BioPlastics in the environment is often governed via direct soil contact, so that microorganisms and fungi, but also interactions with plants (root exudates), weathering influences can cause a conversion up to complete degradation/mineralization of the material. Batch experiments will be conducted to determine the adsorption/desorption behavior of polymeric components of the bioplastic on different matrices (i.e., different soil types of variable nutrient status, with and without addition of other organic C sources,). BioPlastics will be tested in an amorphous or crystalline state. Standardized soil column experiments will be conducted on a laboratory scale to estimation of the mobility of possible bioplastic degradation products. Longer term degradation experiments will be carried out under standardized laboratory conditions in test systems that allow the variation of matrix moisture conditions and system temperature. Finally, soil ecosystem complexity will be examined by including test in large lysimeter systems in which plants are integrated and carried out under realistic outdoor conditions. Through the use of radio-analytics a complete balance of the 14C-labelled bioplastic will be possible.

Your tasks in detail will include:

• Production of 14C-labelled BioPlastics for environmental fate experiments
  
• BioPlastics degradation studies under controlled laboratory conditions
  
• Understanding environmental behavior of BioPlastic
  
• Identification of the factors that stimulate or reduce the decomposition of BioPlastic
  
• Quantification of the decomposition and mobility of BioPlastics products

Your Profile:

• Excellent university degree (Master) in environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, environmental science, agricultural science or a comparable field
  
• Strong chemical background
  
• Good experience and willingness to work in the laboratory and perform experiments independently
  
• Willingness to work in a controlled area with radioactive isotopes
  
• Excellent ability for cooperative collaboration in a project with several working groups from different Research Institutions
  
• Very good writing and communication skills in English
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated research group in one of the biggest research centers in Europe
  
• An excellent scientific and technical infrastructure: both necessary conditions for a successful PhD thesis within three and a half years
  
• Participation in project meetings and conferences
  
• Strong support and mentoring for setting up a future career in science and/or the industry
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  
• Usually, a first contract for the duration of 3 years
  
• Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund)
  
• Information on employment as a PhD student at Forschungszentrum Jülich can be found here http://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
  

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.