PhD Candidate Adsorbent Materials for PFAS Analysis 100 %

What you will be responsible for

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.

What makes you a great fit

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.

About your workplace

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in German-speaking Switzerland, with around 15,000 students, more than 11,000 continuing education participants and over 3,700 employees.

We are committed to building diverse teams in order to promote equality and inclusion. We offer a flexible working environment that can be adapted to your individual circumstances.

School of Life Sciences und Facility Management

Life Sciences and Facility Management: Study and research in Wädenswil: practical, creative, passionate and reflective. Our expertise in life sciences and facility management in the areas of the environment, food and health enables us to make a vital contribution to solving social challenges and improving quality of life.

Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology

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.

Why work at the ZHAW?

Here, you will find the space to shape developments and make a difference. We value respect and promote diversity. Discover what makes working at the ZHAW so special.

Any questions? You’ll find the answers here!

Do you have any questions about the application process?

Irina Keiser
irina.keiser@zhaw.ch

Do you have any questions about the advertised vacancy?

Bastian Brand
Professor
bastian.brand@zhaw.ch

Faces and stories – every journey at the ZHAW is unique

Exciting projects and diverse people – that’s what sets us apart. What do we all have in common? We contribute our expertise in order to achieve something together. In our profile videos, you can find out more about our employees’ day-to-day work.

Are you a recruitment agency?

You can submit suitable applications here. We are very keen to hear about your candidates.

Access for recruitment agencies