Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is looking for a postdoc researcher to fill a position in Toxicity Assessment and Material Innovation starting in 2025.
The project
Eawag invites applications for a project aimed at implementing alternative toxicity testing to support material innovation under the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework. SSbD seeks to reconcile chemical economy with environmental protection. Achieving this vision requires the development of fit-for-purpose tools and smart workflows for efficient testing and integration of results to guide chemical and material innovation.
This project specifically focuses on developing workflows for:
- Generating aquatic toxicity data for novel vitrimer flame retardant materials using alternative (non-animal) tests for aquatic toxicity, such as the fish cell-based (OECD Test Guideline (TG) 249) and zebrafish embryo-based (OECD TG 236).
- Integrating toxicity data and material properties to facilitate the next steps in the R&D process.
In addition to lab-based work, the project aims to advance the conceptual understanding of the SSbD framework. To do so it will evaluate the test strategy, reflect on interdisciplinary collaboration, and explore innovation needs in the functional polymer sector.
This position will be embedded in the Bioanalytics group of the Environmental Toxicology department (Utox) at Eawag. You will work closely with two PIs from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa). Their groups will provide the test materials and data on their functional properties, as well as participate in the co-design of practical strategies for data integration and evaluation and collaborate on the conceptual aspects.
Your profile
The ideal candidate is motivated to apply practical skills in environmental toxicology and chemistry to advance the SSbD vision. Your work will contribute to finding new solutions for improving environmental protection.
Applicants should hold a PhD in environmental or biological sciences. Relevant fields include (eco)toxicology, cell biology, bioanalytics, molecular biology, or similar areas. Strong communication skills in English are essential due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project. Experience in leachate assessment, cell culture, bioassays, and material development is desirable. Familiarity with SSbD or similar frameworks is a plus. Prior experience with science-policy dialogue and stakeholder interactions will be considered an advantage.
Application details
Your application should include a cover letter explaining your research background and motivation to apply for this position, a CV with publication list, copies of your academic qualifications and contacts of two referees.
The deadline for applications is 30 September 2024 or until the position is filled. The appointment period for this position is 24 months and the starting date is 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible after that, upon agreement.
For further information, please contact Dr Ksenia Groh or go to the application portal.