PhD position in the field of ‘Tire and Road Wear Particles in the Environment’

The overall goal of this project is to develop and validate harmonized, particle-based analytical approaches for quantifying TRWP in key environmental matrices, and to compare the environmental distribution of TRWP with that of conventional microplastic particles (MP) determined in the same samples. The following research topics will be addressed during this project: Development and validation of a number-based method to identify and quantify TRWP in atmospheric (wet and dry) deposition samples, combining automated optical microscopy with artificial intelligence (AI)-supported image analysis, and using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological and elemental fingerprinting at the single-particle level. Stepwise extension of the analytical pipeline – including oxidative digestion, density separation and a rigorous QA/QC concept based on surrogate standards – to increasingly complex matrices. Possible examples are surface waters, wastewater treatment plant effluents and stormwater runoff, soils and sediments, or sewage sludge; the selection and prioritization of matrices will be made over the course of the project. Quantification of TRWP and MP within a pilot monitoring study covering selected compartments, such as the atmosphere, soils, surface waters and wastewater systems. Based on the results, recommendations for a future long-term monitoring framework for TRWP and MP in Switzerland will be derived.

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. The project is carried out within a well-established consortium of Eawag, Empa, Agroscope and ETH Zurich, which has jointly developed methods for quantifying microplastics in atmospheric deposition, soils, suspended sediments and sewage sludge over the past five years. At Eawag, we have a working environment in which people with different experiences, strengths, and perspectives can fully contribute and further develop. Here, you can help us advance! We promote genuine participation, exchange, and mutual understanding. We create structures that enable the compatibility of work and other areas of life, such as care work, and continuously make efforts to reduce barriers.

• Highly motivated candidates with a master’s degree in environmental sciences or engineering, (analytical) chemistry, process engineering, materials science or a related field.

• Experience with microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy or the analysis of particles in complex environmental matrices is an asset.

• Affinity for image analysis and data processing (e.g., Python or R).

• Demonstrable communication skills in English (and ideally also German).

• Willingness and ability to work in a team environment.