The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ is recruiting four PhD students for its newly funded PhD College PSOL, focused on 'Solutions for exceeded planetary boundaries: Novel technologies to remove PFAS from the environment.' PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are persistent environmental pollutants, and the project aims to develop innovative strategies for their removal from water, soil, and living organisms. The research is highly interdisciplinary, involving chemists, toxicologists, engineers, and social scientists, and is co-mentored by leading experts including Prof. Tamara Tal, Dr. Ariette Schierz, Dr. Haibing Shao, and Dr. Anett Georgi.

PhD3 specifically investigates the removal of persistent PFAS from living organisms, using zebrafish models to study neurobehavioral effects and potential reversal of PFAS-dependent health impacts. The project leverages advanced techniques such as high-content imaging, automated behavior analysis, analytical chemistry, and computational data integration (R/Python). Other PhD projects focus on PFAS removal from water and soil, and on governance strategies for PFAS as a slow emergency.

Applicants should have a completed Master's degree in a relevant field (chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, geoecology), with strong interest in water chemistry, stormwater management, soil processes, sorption, and reactive transport. Experience with laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, PFAS analytics, activated carbon materials, and computational analysis is desirable. For PhD3, proficiency in German is needed for animal use applications.

The positions are based in Leipzig, Germany, and offer a 36-month contract with competitive public-sector salary (TVöD up to pay grade 13), social security benefits, annual special payments, subsidised transport, and excellent research infrastructure. The UFZ is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

To apply, submit your application via the UFZ online portal, including a cover letter, CV (without photo, age, or marital status), relevant certificates, transcripts, and contact details of two references. For further information, contact Dr. Ariette Schierz or Dr. Haibing Shao. The application deadline is January 16, 2026.

Research keywords include PFAS removal, environmental toxicology, stormwater management, soil retention filters, zebrafish neurotoxicity, chemical pollutants, adsorbent-amended soils, reactive transport modeling, high-content imaging, and automated behavior analysis.