Postdoc position

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.
The Molecular Environmental Geochemistry Group of the Department Water Resources and Drinking Water (W+T) offers a
Postdoc position (2-years) in environmental geochemistry on arsenic recovery from water treatment residues
This position is part of the European research project "From Contaminant to Commodity (C2C): Toward a Circular Economy for Arsenic in Groundwater" involving partners in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. Overarching project goal is contribute to an improved management of arsenic-rich residues from the arsenic removal from drinking water and to establish procedures for the effective recovery and valorization of arsenic as critical raw material. In collaboration with project partners, the postdoctoral researcher at Eawag will (i) characterize the elemental and mineralogical composition and structure of arsenic-rich drinking water treatment residues (iron-rich sludges and iron-based sorbent materials), using chemical, X-ray spectroscopic and electron microscopic techniques and (ii) perform laboratory experiments to determine how arsenic can be effectively extracted from iron-rich water treatment residues, based on a detailed understanding of underlying geochemical processes and changes in the iron solids structure. 

We offer a postdoctoral position that provides a high level of independence and the opportunity to collaborate with partners within Eawag and the international project team. State-of-the-art infrastructure for geochemical studies is available at Eawag and through collaboration partners. 

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled young researcher with expertise in molecular environmental (bio)geochemistry, laboratory work, and ideally also synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and other solids characterization techniques. Candidates should hold a PhD degree in environmental sciences, earth sciences or a similar field. Experimental, analytical, programming and data processing skills are essential. The successful candidate should have 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 proven publication record. 

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 inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult and  

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 

Applications submitted until 21 November 2025 will receive full consideration; later applications will be considered until the position is filled. The successful candidate should ideally start by 1 March 2026. 

For further information, please contact Dr Andreas Voegelin by email. 

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.

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Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

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