Postdoctoral Researcher Position Environmental Fate of Synthetic Water-Soluble Polymers

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  this new joint initiative, researchers from both institutions combine expertise to advance a systematic understanding of WS/DP fate processes in diverse receiving systems.

This project aims toadvance 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.

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.

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.

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

Start date:

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

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 .

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

• CV
• PhD/MSc records
• 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.sanderz.ch).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising inscience and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledgeinto society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find ouruniversity 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 todevelop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.