PFAS in soils and biosolids

ECOS - European Environmental Citizens Organisation for Standardisation; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 92,000 - 166,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily fee for meetings

Travel cost reimbursement

Per diem for accommodation and subsist

Job summary

ECOS is seeking experts on PFAS detection, analysis and reduction in soils and biosolids to influence environmental standards and related policies. You will provide technical input and represent ECOS in CEN/ISO discussions.

Applicants should demonstrate in-depth PFAS methodologies, a strong commitment to environmental values, and willingness to contribute to ECOS standardisation activities and multi-stakeholder discussions.

Qualifications

• Deep technical knowledge of PFAS detection and analysis in soils and biosolids.
• Ability to contribute to environmental standardisation and policy discussions.
• Commitment to environmental values and ECOS objectives.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research and review of current standards at CEN and ISO level to detect PFAS in soils and biosolids.
• Participate in technical meetings of CEN and ISO to promote ECOS position.
• Prepare technical input through official comments and ECOS position papers.
• Report to and liaise with the ECOS Programme Manager.
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts as needed.

Skills

PFAS detection

PFAS analysis

Soil & biosolids expertise

Standardisation processes

Scientific input

Job description

ECOS is looking for experts in the field of PFAS detection, analysis and reduction in soils and biosolids to represent and defend environmental interests in the development of standards and related policies. Our experts provide us with technical and scientific input and represent ECOS in standardisation processes and multi-stakeholder discussions.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS) are degrading soil health worldwide. Due to their high environmental persistence and toxicity, PFAS contamination negatively affects soil structure and functions, undermining soils’ capacity to provide essential ecosystem services. Through pathways such as the agricultural application of sludge and wastepaper pulp, PFAS accumulate in soils leading to contamination of the food chain and drinking groundwater, with significant impacts on human health and surrounding ecosystems. As existing methods for PFAS detection and analysis cover only a limited subset of PFAS and lack consistent criteria for assessing significant soil contamination, addressing this global challenge requires robust and harmonised standards.

Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate in-depth technical and scientific knowledge on methodologies for PFAS detection and analysis in soils and other biosolid matrices such as sludge. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental values. Knowledge of the standardisation system, or willingness to learn, is a plus.

The nominated experts will:

• Undertake research and review of current standards atCEN and ISO level to detect PFAs in soils and biosolids.
• Participate in technical meetings of CEN and ISO meetings to promote ECOS position.
• Prepare technical input through official comments and contribution to ECOS position papers.
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager.
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed.

ECOS offers:

• A daily fee for preparation of meetings, participation and reporting, as well as other relevant tasks.
• Reimbursement of travel costs.
• Per diem to cover accommodation and subsistence costs.

Concerning the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in applications

We are interested in getting to know your authentic self and your unique set of skills and experiences, which cannot be generated by AI. Please therefore limit the use of AI to reformulation and be aware of its environmental impact. If you have used AI for any part of your application, please declare it and indicate which AI tools you have used and for what purpose.

About ECOS

ECOS is an international NGO with a network of members and experts advocating for environmentally-friendly technical standards, policies and laws. With 20 years of experience, ECOS represents over 50 national and European members, including the European Environmental Bureau, Friends of the Earth Europe, Transport & Environment and WWF. ECOS is a partner organisation of the standardisation organisations CEN and CENELEC, a member of ETSI and a liaison organisation to IEC & ISO. Learn more: www.ecostandard.org

ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.