Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: PFAS Pathways Through Soil-Groundwater Interfaces – Eawag / ETH Zurich – Switzerland
About Eawag & ETH Zurich
Applications are open for a PhD PFAS Groundwater Switzerland position at Eawag and ETH Zurich. The project quantifies how soil physico-chemical properties control PFAS fate, transport, and transformation in subsurface environments. Eawag is the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, and ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. The Subsurface Environmental Processes Group studies fundamental physical and chemical processes in porous media. This doctoral position is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
Researchers increasingly detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of highly persistent synthetic compounds, in soils and aquifers worldwide. Their extreme stability and mobility make PFAS a critical challenge for groundwater quality and drinking water security. Although many regions have reported PFAS contamination, researchers still poorly understand the fundamental mechanisms that control PFAS fate and transport in coupled soil-aquifer systems.
The focus of this PhD project will be on quantifying the control exerted by soil physico-chemical properties and episodic recharge events on the fate, transport, and transformation of PFAS.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: PFAS contamination of groundwater. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade in the environment, and they have been linked to adverse health effects. Understanding how PFAS move through soil-groundwater interfaces is critical for predicting contamination risk and developing remediation strategies. The student will have the unique opportunity to learn, develop, and apply cutting-edge laboratory experimental and modelling techniques, including the integration of machine learning and process-based models. Eawag and ETH Zurich are world-leading institutions in environmental science and engineering. For a student interested in subsurface hydrology, contaminant transport, and environmental chemistry, this is an opportunity to do research with direct implications for drinking water safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Quantify the control exerted by soil physico-chemical properties and episodic recharge events on PFAS fate, transport, and transformation
- Learn, develop, and apply cutting-edge laboratory experimental and modelling techniques
- Integrate machine learning and process-based models
- Conduct measurements guided by and compared with modelling
- Contribute to advancing knowledge of governing processes of PFAS mobility in soils and aquifers
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree in Groundwater Hydrology, Soil Physics, Engineering, or related areas |
| Quantitative Skills | Strong quantitative inclination |
| Research Interest | Desire to work experimentally at the interface of physics, chemistry, and engineering |
| Modelling Skills | Interest in combining experimental research with mathematical modeling |
| Independence | Ability to work independently |
| Teamwork | Ability to interact and collaborate within a team |
| Teaching | Interest in contributing to teaching activities is highly valued |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Doctoral Student (PhD) |
| Location | Zurich / Dübendorf, Switzerland |
| Supervision | Prof. Dr. Joaquin Jimenez-Martinez (Eawag and ETH Zurich) |
| Research Environment | Highly interdisciplinary, fast-paced |
| Technologies | Analytical and computational skills development |
| Collaboration | World-class collaborators in environmental chemistry, reactive transport, and hybrid approaches (process-based models and machine learning) |
| Benefits | Public transport season tickets, car sharing, ASVZ sports, childcare, attractive pension benefits |
My Application Strategy
- Highlight your background in hydrology or soil physics – Groundwater flow and contaminant transport knowledge is essential
- Emphasize quantitative and modelling skills – Integration of machine learning and process-based models is a key component
- Show laboratory experience – Experimental work at the physics-chemistry interface is central
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and in teams – Both are required
- Mention interest in teaching – Highly valued
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in groundwater hydrology, soil physics, or environmental engineering who wants to tackle the PFAS contamination challenge. If you enjoy combining laboratory experiments with mathematical modelling, and want to understand how “forever chemicals” move through soils and aquifers, this project offers training across experimental methods, reactive transport modelling, and machine learning. Candidates with experience in contaminant transport or porous media are especially encouraged.
How to Apply
Submit your application exclusively through the Eawag/ETH Zurich online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Required documents:
- CV
- Full transcripts from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Master)
- Brief (1-2 page) statement of research interests
- At least 2 (preferably 3) letters of reference
Review of applications begins: June 5, 2026 (position open until filled)
For questions about the position (no applications): Prof. Dr. Joaquin Jimenez-Martinez – joaquin.jimenez@eawag.ch or jjimenez@ethz.ch
Useful Links
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