Zurich University of Applied Sciences 
Wädenswil, Switzerland Project Description
Develop innovative materials to tackle one of today's most pressing environmental challenges and contribute to improved PFAS monitoring in water and environmental samples.
School: Life Sciences und Facility Management
Starting date: Upon agreement. Fixed-term position (4 years).
Your role
As part of this interdisciplinary PhD project, you will develop novel adsorbent materials for the selective enrichment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and evaluate their application in advanced analytical workflows.
You will:
- Design, synthesize and characterize innovative fluorophilic adsorbent materials.
- Investigate adsorption mechanisms and structure-property relationships governing PFAS selectivity.
- Evaluate adsorption capacity, selectivity and mass-transfer characteristics of newly developed materials.
- Integrate and test novel adsorbents in sample preparation workflows for combustion ion chromatography.
- Compare developed materials with commercially available solutions and assess their performance in environmental samples.
- Publish your findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present your research at scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with academic and industrial partners within the project.
Your profile
You hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field and are motivated to contribute to innovative environmental research.
You also bring:
- A strong interest in materials development, adsorption processes and analytical chemistry.
- Enthusiasm for experimental laboratory work and scientific problem solving.
- The ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative international research team.
- Excellent written and spoken English skills.
Experience in polymer synthesis, materials characterization, chromatography or environmental analysis is welcome but not essential.
Applications should include a motivation letter, a detailed CV, copies of BSc and MSc transcripts and degree certificates, and the contact details of two references.
Apply online now
This is what we stand for
Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.
The Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology conducts cutting-edge research addressing societal and industrial challenges in chemistry, biotechnology and environmental science. You will work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with excellent analytical infrastructure and strong academic and industrial networks.
ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.
What you can expect
We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non-leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW. The main points are listed below:
- Workplace Culture
- Work Life Balance
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Personal Development
- Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability at the ZHAW
- Ocupational Health Management
- Salary and Pension Provision
This is what we stand for What you can expect
We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non-leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW. The main points are listed below:
