Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is a Swiss-based and internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH domain (Swiss Federal Institute of Science and Technology). It is committed to the ecologically, economically and socially responsible management of water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

The Department of Process Engineering has a vacancy for a
Ph.D. position in the field of fate and behavior of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment

The objective of this Ph.D project is to investigate the behavior of silver nanoparticles during wastewater treatment.

Background
The release of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) from consumer products is of concern due the well known toxicity of the Ag+ ions. Ag-NP, or nanomaterials in general, released from domestic and industrial sources will be mostly collected in sewer systems and transported to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Depending on efficiency of the WWTP, the nanomaterials may enter the aquatic environment (or soils via sewage sludge). WWTP thus play a key role in controlling the release of Ag-NP into the aquatic environment.

Aim
In this project, the physical (agglomeration) and chemical (speciation of Ag) changes of the Ag-NP during different stages of the wastewater treatment including aerobic and anaerobic conditions will be investigated. For that purpose a combination of on-line methods (e.g. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, dynamic and static light scattering), microscopic (scanning and transmission electron microscopy), and synchrotron based x-ray adsorption spectroscopic (XAS) methods will be employed. Specifically, the effect of size and of surface coatings (functionalization) on the kinetics of the Ag-NP transformation in complex matrices will be investigated.

Profile
The ideal candidate should have a Master degree or equivalent in chemistry, environmental sciences (including earth sciences), or environmental engineering. The person should be highly motivated, and being able to work independently in our research team. Experience in analytical chemistry or process engineering are advantageous.

For further information, please consult www.eawag.ch or contact
Dr Ralf Kägi, Email ralf.kaegi@eawag.ch.

We look forward to receive your application including a CV, a brief statement about your motivation for this position, copies of your academic qualifications and 3 names of potential referees in electronic form.

Deadline for applications is 20 February 2012 or until the position is filled.

We look forward to receive your application.