PhD student in environmental sciences

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

In line with Empa’s mission, the Technology and Society Laboratory (TSL) creates and transfers knowledge to support the transformation to a more sustainability society. In particular, TSL analyses novel materials and emerging technology applications with a focus on associated material and energy stocks and flows, and evaluates them with regard to both natural environment and societal constraints.

Your tasks

The Horizon Europe project "Accessible Innovative Methods for the Safety & Sustainability Assessment of Chemicals & Materials" (CHIASMA) aims to develop a new and improved Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Assessment framework. For this, CHIASMA will focus on developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and improved Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) approaches and strategies, and their subsequent integration into the CHIASMA SSbD framework. This will include, amongst others, an evaluation of the option to integrate the absolute sustainability perspective into the LCIA step. Starting from the Planetary Boundaries concept, which defines the overall carrying capacities of the planet earth, the PhD student will develop a suitable allocation scheme that allows to break down these carrying capacities to individual products and services.

Your profile

Suitable candidates hold an MSc degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, or equivalent and are familiar with the LCA methodology. He or she has strong communication skills, is fluent in English (both written and oral) and is motivated to work in an inter- and transdisciplinary team.

Our offer

We offer a stimulating academic environment in a laboratory with more than 40 scientists dedicated to sustainability transformation. The position is available immediately but the starting date can be negotiated (Foreseen duration of the position is 4 years). The working place is St. Gallen.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

SarahStüdli, Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner