PhD position in Water Disinfection Chemistry 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
ETH Zürich
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PhD position in Water Disinfection Chemistry
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
Applications are invited for a PhD position on Water Disinfection Chemistry in the Environmental Chemistry group at
ETH Zurich. The project focuses on the recent discovery of chloronitramide, a disinfection byproduct formed during the
decomposition of chloramines and will be supervised by Dr. Juliana Laszakovits in the group of Prof. Kristopher McNeill.
Chloronitramide was recently reported by our group to be a novel disinfection byproduct. It is formed through the
autodecomposition of chloramine, a widely used drinking water disinfectant and was found in all tested chloraminated
drinking water samples at levels between 1 and 180 ppb. There are no previous reports of chloronitramide and
accordingly nothing is known about its toxicity or occurrence.
The overarching goals of this project are (1) to improve monitoring efforts by developing widely accessible analytical
approaches to quantify chloronitramide and (2) to investigate the impact of common water quality parameters on
chloronitramide formation mechanisms during drinking water treatment. The results of this work are expected to inform
risk assessment and regulation of chloronitramide and to guide water treatment utilities in managing its formation.
Job description
The student will gain a broad technical skillset in analytical chemistry (including liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry and membrane inlet mass spectrometry), acquire practical knowledge in elucidating chemical reaction
kinetics and mechanisms, improve scientific communication by presenting at conferences and writing scientific
manuscripts, and gain experience in management and teaching through co-supervision of bachelor and master theses. The
student is expected gain scientific independence in this fast-paced, wide-open area of research by having opportunities
to shape the direction of the project after the initial objectives are met. The project is funded through an ETH grant
and will be supervised by Dr. Juliana Laszakovits in the group of Prof. Kristopher McNeill.
Profile
The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental chemistry,
analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and/or organic chemistry. Knowledge of water treatment processes is desired,
but not necessary. Good knowledge of English (spoken and written) is essential. Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or
equivalent) in environmental engineering, environmental science, chemistry or a related discipline.
In addition, ETH Zurich seeks employees with key social and leadership competencies:
- Acting responsibly - acting with integrity; reflecting on and improving one's own behavior; serving Swiss society
and society as a whole; integrating sustainability into daily actions
- Driving innovation - being courageous, open and curious; being flexible and adaptable to change; questioning the
status-quo; exploring new ideas, solutions and technologies
- Building bridges - showing appreciation and respect; being authentic and empathetic; communicating effectively;
seeking opportunities to collaborate
- Nurturing well-being - being mindful of one's own well-being; being attentive to the well-being of others; managing
one's own resources sustainably; maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Living inclusivity - reflecting on one's own biases, assumptions and stereotypes; treating all people equitably;
standing up to disrespectful and non-inclusive behavior; informing oneself on diversity and inclusion topics
- Enabling people - coaching others to find their own solutions; understanding feedback as an opportunity to develop
potential; providing constructive feedback with an attitude of appreciation; contributing to a culture in which
failures are dealt with constructively
Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 4 years). The projected start date is
Fall 2025 but can be earlier or later upon mutual agreement.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
The Environmental Chemistry group is headed by Prof. Kristopher McNeill and conducts research on the fate of both
natural and anthropogenic organic compounds in the environment. The group is composed of researchers from around the
world and offers a friendly and supportive environment, with English as our working language. The group is located at
ETH’s central campus with access to high quality laboratory facilities. The PhD student will be exposed to a range of
topics including photochemistry in surface waters, fate of biomacromolecules in aquatic systems, and global-scale
modelling of anthropogenic pollutants through our weekly group meetings and other environmental topics through the
Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics seminar series. Additionally, the student will be supported through
regular one-on-one meetings with their supervisor, Dr. Juliana Laszakovits, as well as weekly subgroup meetings to
informally present and discuss their results with other PhD students and postdocs.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
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.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter (ideally 1 page, maximum 2 pages) containing:
- Statement of research interests, past and future,
- 1 paragraph summary of MSc thesis research and
- Career goals.
- CV
- Copy of certificates
- Contact information for 2-3 potential references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
For further general information about the research, please visit the group’s website. For further information, please
contact Dr. Juliana Laszakovits by e-mail juliana.laszakovits@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).
Evaluation of applicants will start 18 August 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university 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 to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university 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 to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
Applications are invited for a PhD position on Water Disinfection Chemistry in the Environmental Chemistry group at
ETH Zurich. The project focuses on the recent discovery of chloronitramide, a disinfection byproduct formed during the
decomposition of chloramines and will be supervised by Dr. Juliana Laszakovits in the group of Prof. Kristopher McNeill.
Chloronitramide was recently reported by our group to be a novel disinfection byproduct. It is formed through the
autodecomposition of chloramine, a widely used drinking water disinfectant and was found in all tested chloraminated
drinking water samples at levels between 1 and 180 ppb. There are no previous reports of chloronitramide and
accordingly nothing is known about its toxicity or occurrence.
The overarching goals of this project are (1) to improve monitoring efforts by developing widely accessible analytical
approaches to quantify chloronitramide and (2) to investigate the impact of common water quality parameters on
chloronitramide formation mechanisms during drinking water treatment. The results of this work are expected to inform
risk assessment and regulation of chloronitramide and to guide water treatment utilities in managing its formation.
Job description
The student will gain a broad technical skillset in analytical chemistry (including liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry and membrane inlet mass spectrometry), acquire practical knowledge in elucidating chemical reaction
kinetics and mechanisms, improve scientific communication by presenting at conferences and writing scientific
manuscripts, and gain experience in management and teaching through co-supervision of bachelor and master theses. The
student is expected gain scientific independence in this fast-paced, wide-open area of research by having opportunities
to shape the direction of the project after the initial objectives are met. The project is funded through an ETH grant
and will be supervised by Dr. Juliana Laszakovits in the group of Prof. Kristopher McNeill.
Profile
The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental engineering, environmental science, environmental chemistry,
analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and/or organic chemistry. Knowledge of water treatment processes is desired,
but not necessary. Good knowledge of English (spoken and written) is essential. Applicants should hold a MSc degree (or
equivalent) in environmental engineering, environmental science, chemistry or a related discipline.
In addition, ETH Zurich seeks employees with key social and leadership competencies:
- Acting responsibly - acting with integrity; reflecting on and improving one's own behavior; serving Swiss society
and society as a whole; integrating sustainability into daily actions
- Driving innovation - being courageous, open and curious; being flexible and adaptable to change; questioning the
status-quo; exploring new ideas, solutions and technologies
- Building bridges - showing appreciation and respect; being authentic and empathetic; communicating effectively;
seeking opportunities to collaborate
- Nurturing well-being - being mindful of one's own well-being; being attentive to the well-being of others; managing
one's own resources sustainably; maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Living inclusivity - reflecting on one's own biases, assumptions and stereotypes; treating all people equitably;
standing up to disrespectful and non-inclusive behavior; informing oneself on diversity and inclusion topics
- Enabling people - coaching others to find their own solutions; understanding feedback as an opportunity to develop
potential; providing constructive feedback with an attitude of appreciation; contributing to a culture in which
failures are dealt with constructively
Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 4 years). The projected start date is
Fall 2025 but can be earlier or later upon mutual agreement.
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
The Environmental Chemistry group is headed by Prof. Kristopher McNeill and conducts research on the fate of both
natural and anthropogenic organic compounds in the environment. The group is composed of researchers from around the
world and offers a friendly and supportive environment, with English as our working language. The group is located at
ETH’s central campus with access to high quality laboratory facilities. The PhD student will be exposed to a range of
topics including photochemistry in surface waters, fate of biomacromolecules in aquatic systems, and global-scale
modelling of anthropogenic pollutants through our weekly group meetings and other environmental topics through the
Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics seminar series. Additionally, the student will be supported through
regular one-on-one meetings with their supervisor, Dr. Juliana Laszakovits, as well as weekly subgroup meetings to
informally present and discuss their results with other PhD students and postdocs.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity
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.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Cover letter (ideally 1 page, maximum 2 pages) containing:
- Statement of research interests, past and future,
- 1 paragraph summary of MSc thesis research and
- Career goals.
- CV
- Copy of certificates
- Contact information for 2-3 potential references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered.
For further general information about the research, please visit the group’s website. For further information, please
contact Dr. Juliana Laszakovits by e-mail juliana.laszakovits@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).
Evaluation of applicants will start 18 August 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.
We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial
intelligence.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university 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 to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university 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 to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.