Postdoctoral Researcher Position Biodegradation of Synthetic Water-Soluble Polymers

Position Overview

Eawag the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain.

The Department of Environmental Chemistry of Eawag and the Environmental Chemistry Group of ETH Zürich are offering a Postdoctoral Researcher Position on the Biodegradation of Synthetic Water-Soluble Polymers 80-100%.

Water-soluble and water-dispersible polymers (WS / DPs) are widely used in home care and cosmetic products and enter engineered and natural systems. Researchers from Eawag and ETH Zürich combine expertise to advance a systematic understanding of WS / DP biodegradation and transformation in receiving systems.

In this project we will collect assess and curate scientific literature on WS / DP biodegradability and abiotic / enzymatic transformation pathways focusing on wastewater sludge river / lake waters and curated data will be compiled into a structured database to support computational predictions and model development for WS / DP biodegradation prediction.

• Identify data needs for QSAR machine-learning and pathway prediction including material properties test conditions and inoculum characteristics.
• Review literature on WS / DP biodegradation in wastewater aquatic environments and soils and on abiotic and enzymatic transformation pathways. Extract encode and quality-assess biodegradation data including mineralization rates half-lives rate constants and metadata and transfer into database.
• Build a numerical kinetic model to describe key steps in biodegradation.

PhD in environmental or polymer chemistry computational biology bioinformatics or a related discipline. Proficiency in English is required. Essential competencies include motivation for fundamental research in an environmental context, teamwork, communication and collaborative skills, interest in sustainability science, advising students and willingness to engage with regulators and stakeholders.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and decisions will be made as soon as a suitable candidate has been identified. The application period will close on January 31 2026. Applications should include a cover letter, a concise statement about your previous education and research experience, a statement of research interests (1-2 pages), a curriculum vitae, publication list, copies of your academic qualifications and names and contact information of 3 academic references.

Applications from employment agencies / personnel consultants are not welcome and will not be considered.

Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Thomas Hofstetter, Prof. Dr. Kathrin Fenner, or Prof. Dr. Michael Sander.