PhD position in Water Disinfection Chemistry

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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

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.

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.