Postdoctoral researcher

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d) for 2-3 years in synchrotron-based environmental geochemistry

The Molecular Environmental Geochemistry Group of the Department Water Resources and Drinking Water (W+T) is looking for a

About the position: This position is part of a research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) involving 2 PhD students and 1 postdoctoral researcher that collaborate with multiple research groups at Eawag and ETH Zurich. The project aims to study trace element dynamics (Tl, As, Cu, Pb, Cd) in periodically waterlogged soils under current and future climatic conditions. The two PhD students focus on seasonal variations in soil reduction upon flooding and effects on trace elements, each studying selected trace elements and mobilization pathways. The postdoctoral project aims to develop a novel microfluidic setup for time-resolved in-situ synchrotron X-ray microspectroscopy studies on natural soil material to unravel effects of microscale heterogeneities in soils on redox-driven speciation changes of Fe, Mn and trace elements. The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to support the PhD students with respect to synchrotron analyses and to help with project management.

We offer a postdoctoral position that provides a high level of independence and the opportunity to develop and pursue your own ideas and interests within a larger research project. State-of-the-art infrastructure for (bio)geochemical studies is available at Eawag, including facilities for advanced trace element analyses and microfluidic experiments. A significant part of the synchrotron X-ray analyses can be conducted in collaboration with a European synchrotron facility. The postdoctoral researcher will benefit from the connection to the research of two 2 PhD students and will have opportunities to develop further collaborations within Eawag and with external partners. Depending on interests, an engagement in teaching at ETH Zurich is possible. Funding for this position is secured for 3 years, with the possibility of extension pending further funding.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher with expertise in molecular environmental (bio)geochemistry and synchrotron X-ray (micro)spectroscopy or related spectroscopic or imaging techniques. Candidates should hold a PhD degree in environmental sciences, Earth sciences or a similar field. A strong interest in method development and regular visits to synchrotron facilities, as well as outstanding experimental, analytical, programming and data processing skills, are essential. The successful candidate should have excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, be adept at working independently and collaboratively, be well-versed in oral and written communication of their results and have a solid publication record. Prior experience in acquiring synchrotron beamtime through competitive proposal schemes is welcome.

Workplace: Eawag Dübendorf (near Zürich).

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and to support the compatibility of career and family. Please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment for more information about Eawag and our work conditions.

Applications must include the following documents:

- A cover letter describing your research interests, relevant skills, motivation for the project, how you meet the postdoc profile, and your earliest possible starting date.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic qualifications and research or other professional experience.
- Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on 20 January 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. The position is open as of April 2025; the successful candidate should start no later than Fall 2025.

For further information, please contact Dr. Andreas Voegelin by email (no applications).

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.

Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology