PhD position on Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics

Empa - the place where innovation starts

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

Empa’s Laboratory for Air Pollution and Environmental Technology develops atmospheric measurement techniques and modelling tools as a contribution to a healthy and safe environment. We are offering a

Environmental pollution by microplastics is an issue of growing concern. Microplastic particles are detectable in a wide range of environmental compartments such as aquatic systems and soils. The detection of microplastics far from emission sources points to atmospheric transport and deposition as significant processes for their large-scale distribution.

In this PhD project, atmospheric deposition of microplastics is investigated. Wet and dry atmospheric deposition samples collected across Switzerland are analysed for type, amount and size of microplastic particles to obtain a quantitative understanding of microplastics deposited in the environment. The project is carried out in close collaboration with two PhD projects at Eawag and Agroscope, where microplastic pollution in aqueous systems and in soils is investigated. All three PhD projects use similar analytical techniques, such as FTIR chemical imaging and Pyrolysis-GC/MS, and will work closely together in the development of sample preparation, analytics and data analysis.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in environmental or natural sciences, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in working in the laboratory and in the field
• Working experience and interest in programming and data analysis
• Very good communication and writing skills in English; oral expression skills in German are desirable

For further information about the position please contact Christoph Hueglin [email protected] and visit our websites www.empa.ch/web/s503 and Empa-Video

We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with complete scholar transcripts and contact details of two referees. Only complete applications will be considered. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, David Heusser, Human Resources, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.