PhD Position at the Department of Environmental Geosciences of the University of Vienna (Austria)

3 year PhD Position on systematic characterization of sorption behavior of microplastic particles

The Department for Environmental Geosciences of the University of Vienna (Austria) is a highly motivated and international group carrying research on groundwater, environmental contaminants and nano geoscience. We are inviting applications for a PhD position and offer:

Supervision and support from internationally recognised senior researchers; dynamic, stimulating and international working environment (working language is English); excellent laboratory facilities; opportunities for collaboration (France, US, Germany)

Vienna, the city with the highest quality of life worldwide (elected for the 6th year in a row, Mercer, 2015)

The PhD candidate will work on a project looking into the systematic characterization of sorption behavior of microplastic particles

Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste are produced out of which 10% have been estimated to end-up in the world’s oceans. Increasing reports on the occurrence of microscopic fragments of plastics result in a raising concern among scientist and regulators on the environmental effects of these microplastics. Aside from the “direct” impact of microplastics on environmental ecosystems, they have previously been reported to be a potential transport medium for toxic contaminants. Hence, understanding the interactions between microplastics and organic contaminants is of crucial importance not only from a risk assessment perspective. This project aims thus at a systematic characterization of sorption behavior of microplastics.

We look for a highly enthusiastic PhD student with interest in understanding the fate of contaminants in natural systems.

Requirements:

Master in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry (or related sciences)

Lab experience, good knowledge of analytical chemistry and if possible sorption experiment would be an advantage

Fluent spoken and written English

Excellent written and oral communication, as well as social skills

Motivated, independent and reliable

How to apply:

Please send a single pdf file including a letter of motivation, a CV with University grades, the contact details of two referees, a research vision (one page max) and, if available, copies of research papers or the Master thesis.

Short listed candidates will be notified and invited for interview. Applications will be considered until the position has been filled. Applications should be addressed to thorsten.hueffer@univie.ac.at

Further information at http://umweltgeologie.univie.ac.at/hofmann-group/

(Contact: Dr. Thorsten Hüffer)

The University of Vienna intends to increase the number of women on its faculty, particularly in high-level positions, and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants women will receive preferential consideration.