PhD position to study the sorption of heavy metals and PFAS on natural nanoparticles

The Institute for Environmental Sciences of the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) are seeking to hire a PhD student (m/f/d) to conduct field and laboratory sorption experiments, determine PFAS concentrations, and characterize the sorption layer using TGA-MS.

Your area of ​​responsibility:

Natural nanoparticles are ubiquitous in aquatic environments and play an important role in the fate of pollutants. Given the growing concerns about emerging contaminants, particularly PFAS, it is crucial to understand and quantify their interactions with these particles to better predict their environmental behavior. In a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the sorption of PFAS and heavy metals onto natural nanoparticles will be investigated in situ using a dedicated field exposure method developed by our team, complemented by laboratory experiments and machine learning approaches. A central aspect of this project is the formation of a complex sorption layer—known as the eco-corona—on the nanoparticles and its influence on pollutant sorption.

We offer:

  • 3 year contract in a fully funded collaborative research project
  • Excellent interdisciplinary support, national and international collaborations and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and instrumentation.
  • The place of work will be the Institute for Environmental Sciences Landau, a friendly and international working environment within a region of high living quality.
  • Remuneration: E 13 TV-L

Your requirements profile:

  • A successfully completed bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry with a focus on analytical or environmental chemistry from a university or comparable institution of higher education is required.
  • Applicants must have a strong background in organic extraction, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
  • Experience with analytical instrumentation (LC-MS and TGA-MS) and good knowledge of colloid chemistry are desirable.
  • A goal-oriented working style, creativity, initiative, and a proactive attitude are essential.
  • Very good English language skills are required.
  • Willingness to participate in field experiments and possession of a Class B driver’s license are also required.

Scope:

Part time 75% (29,25 hours/week)

Beginning:

01.03.2026

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your detailed application (CV, references, etc.) by 31.01.2026 at the latest.

Please submit your application using the “Online Bewerbung” button on the application page https://jobs.rptu.de/jobposting/7af5f9d7332293053b871c161a1922b934ccc90a0 or via the RPTU job portal (https://jobs.rptu.de).

For further questions, please contact Dr. Allan Philippe (e-mail: a.philippe@rptu.de)