PhD Candidate Adsorbent Materials for PFAS Analysis 100 %

ZHAW International; Wädenswil; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) invites applications for a PhD Candidate position focused on Adsorbent Materials for PFAS Analysis. The role includes designing novel fluorophilic adsorbents and evaluating their performance in environmental samples, with collaboration across international partners.

You will contribute to advanced analytical workflows, publish in peer‑reviewed journals and integrate materials into sample preparation for combustion ion chromatography, advancing PFAS

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Motivation to contribute to innovative environmental research.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize and characterize fluorophilic adsorbent materials.
• Investigate adsorption mechanisms and structure-property relationships for PFAS selectivity.
• Evaluate adsorption capacity, selectivity and mass-transfer characteristics.
• Integrate and test adsorbents in sample preparation workflows for combustion ion chromatography.
• Compare developed materials with commercially available solutions and assess performance in environmental samples.
• Publish findings in international peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners within the project.

Skills

Scientific problem solving

Experimental lab work

Independent working

Excellent English skills

Materials development

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

PhD Candidate Adsorbent Materials for PFAS Analysis 100 %

Develop innovative materials to tackle one of today's most pressing environmental challenges and contribute to improved PFAS monitoring in water and environmental samples.

School: Life Sciences und Facility Management
Starting date: Upon agreement. Fixed-term position (4 years).

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.

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.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

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.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.