Postdoctoral Researcher Position on the Environmental Fate of Synthetic Water-Soluble Polymers

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Environmental Chemistry group at ETH Zurich and the Department of Environmental Chemistry at Eawag share common research interests in understanding the fate of organic chemicals in the environment and team up for the study of water-soluble and water-dispersible polymers (WS/DPs). These polymers are widely used in home care and cosmetic products and enter both engineered systems (wastewater treatment plants) and natural aquatic and terrestrial environments. Key processes governing the transport and (bio)availability of these polymers--such as their adsorption to solid-water interfaces--remain poorly understood. In this new joint initiative, researchers from both institutions combine expertise to advance a systematic understanding of WS/DP fate processes in diverse receiving systems.

Project background

This project aims to advance a fundamental understanding of WS/DP adsorption to solid-water interfaces, including soils, sediments, sludge, and model mineral/organic surfaces. Experimental studies will investigate polymer-surface interactions, adsorption reversibility, and polymer conformations in adsorbed states, considering polymer chemistry (e.g., polarity, charge, molecular weight), sorbent properties (e.g., surface charge, specific area), and solution chemistry. Through this work, we aim to support model development and inform regulatory frameworks, in close collaboration with academic, industrial, and regulatory partners. The project will be conducted at both ETH Zurich and Eawag.

Job description

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research on WS/DP adsorption and establish (semi-)quantitative polymer structure-adsorption relationships by linking polymer and sorbent properties to experimentally collected adsorption and desorption data.

Specific tasks include:

• Conduct high-throughput batch adsorption experiments under varying solution chemistries (pH, ionic strength, composition).
• Perform column transport experiments to assess polymer mobility and adsorption under hydrodynamic flow.
• Complement experiments with in-situ surface measurements to determine adsorbed concentrations and conformational dynamics at the sorbent-water interface.
• Apply high-resolution mass spectrometry to quantify polymer residues in solution.
• Develop structure-adsorption relationships and provide mechanistic insights.
• Present results at conferences, prepare reports, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Profile

You have a PhD degree in environmental, polymer, organic, colloid, surface, or material chemistry or related fields.
Proficiency in English is required.

Essential competencies are:

• Motivation for fundamental experimental research in an environmental chemistry context.
• Teamwork and effective communication skills.
• Commitment to co-advising students.
• Willingness to engage with regulators and stakeholders.

Workplace

We offer

Access to state-of-the-art facilities at ETH Zurich (city center) and Eawag (Dübendorf). International teams with English as the working language, optional German classes, and professional training support.

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits

Start date: Spring 2026 or as soon as possible; funded for up to two years with competitive salary.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application in a single PDF including:

• cover letter
• CV
• PhD/MSc records
• publication list
• research statement (1-2 pages)
• three references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Evaluation starts 10 January 2026. For more information please contact Prof. Dr. Michael Sander (michael.sander@ env.ethz.ch).

Apply online now

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.