PhD in PFAS Pathways through Soil–Groundwater Interfaces at ETH Zurich and Eawag ETH Zurich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich and Eawag are recruiting a PhD student for a project on PFAS pathways and the fate of “forever chemicals” across soil–groundwater interfaces. The position is hosted by the Subsurface Environmental Processes Group and supervised by Prof. Dr. Joaquin Jimenez-Martinez.

The research focuses on how soil physico-chemical properties and episodic recharge events control the transport, transformation, and mobility of PFAS in coupled soil–aquifer systems. The project combines laboratory experiments, process-based modeling, and machine learning, with an emphasis on groundwater quality, drinking water security, and predictive risk assessment.

Ideal applicants have a background in groundwater hydrology, soil physics, engineering, or a related field, and should be strongly quantitative. Interest in experimental work at the interface of physics, chemistry, and engineering is important, as is the ability to combine experiments with mathematical modeling. Teamwork, independence, and interest in teaching are valued.

The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, within the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (D-BAUG) at ETH Zurich and Eawag. Applications are reviewed from 2026-06-05 until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a CV, full transcripts from Bachelor and Masters studies, a 1–2 page statement of research interests, and at least 2 preferably 3 letters of reference. Applications must be submitted through the ETH Zurich online portal only.