Postdoc position (2-years) in environmental geochemistry on arsenic recovery from water treatment residues

This position is part of the European research project “From Contaminant to Commodity (C2C) : Toward a Circular Economy for Arsenic in Groundwater” involving partners in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden. Overarching project goal is contribute to an improved management of arsenic-rich residues from the arsenic removal from drinking water and to establish procedures for the effective recovery and valorization of arsenic as critical raw material. In collaboration with project partners, the postdoctoral researcher at Eawag will (i) characterize the elemental and mineralogical composition and structure of arsenic-rich drinking water treatment residues (iron-rich sludges and iron-based sorbent materials), using chemical, X-ray spectroscopic and electron microscopic techniques and (ii) perform laboratory experiments to determine how arsenic can be effectively extracted from iron-rich water treatment residues, based on a detailed understanding of underlying geochemical processes and changes in the iron solids structure.

We offer  a postdoctoral position that provides a high level of independence and the opportunity to collaborate with partners within Eawag and the international project team. State-of-the-art infrastructure for geochemical studies is available at Eawag and through collaboration partners.

We are looking for  a highly motivated and skilled young researcher with expertise in molecular environmental (bio)geochemistry, laboratory work, and ideally also synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and other solids characterization techniques. Candidates should hold a PhD degree in environmental sciences, earth sciences or a similar field. Experimental, analytical, programming and data processing skills are essential. The successful candidate should have organizational and problem-solving skills, be adept at working independently and collaboratively, be well-versed in oral and written communication of their results and have a proven publication record.

Workplace : Eawag Dübendorf (near Zürich).