We seek
a highly capable doctoral student to conduct research in the field of
environmental fate assessment of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). ENMs
are being increasingly produced and used in commercial applications and
the inevitable release of ENMs to natural compartments makes a risk
assessment of these new materials necessary. For this purpose, processes
affecting the environmental fate of ENMs need to be studied in greater
detail. The aim of this project is to study the heteroaggregation of
ENMs with naturally occurring colloids and the interaction with natural
organic matter (NOM) present in surface waters. In this joint project
with the CEREGE (Aix-Marseille University) in Aix-en-Provence, France,
the interaction of ENMs with natural particles will be addressed both
from an experimental as well as a modeling approach. The PhD student
will be mainly involved in the modeling part of the project and model
both the small-scale interactions between ENMs and natural components
and the overall fate of ENMs in surface water systems. In addition, the
PhD student at ETH will have the opportunity to spend some time at the
CEREGE and conduct heteroaggregation experiments. The work is planned to
commence on April 1, 2013.
The successful applicant
will possess a degree in physics, chemistry, environmental sciences,
environmental engineering or a related field with a first-class academic
record. The applicant should have strong interest in developing
computer models, some laboratory experience, and a keen interest in
environmental chemistry. Knowledge of French will be an advantage.
Application Deadline : 31 January 2013
