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
(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.
