The Earth Sciences Department of Pisa University (DST-UNIPI) has 1 open PhD position in the area of Geochemistry and Hydrogeology of Microplastics contamination.
The PhD position is part of the PlasticUnderground (Integrated Cross-Sectoral Solutions to Mico- and Nanoplastic Pollution in soil and Groundwater Ecosystems) project, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Project: 101072777 — PlasticUnderground — HORIZON-MSCA-2021-DN-01).
The PlasticUnderground Doctoral Network (DN) is an international, multi-partner, inter-sectoral doctoral research-training network with the aim to prepare an international cohort of Doctoral Candidates in the development of solutions to the emerging plastic pollution crisis in soils and groundwater. Given the evolving understanding of subsurface soil and groundwater ecosystems as long-term storage pools of micro- and nanoplastics, interdisciplinary capacity that can support and provide guidance for the management of these systems, as well as development of adequate technological, social behavioural and legislative solutions is urgently needed. This interdisciplinary DN will integrate comprehensive training opportunities in cutting edge technological innovations, regulatory and behavioural approaches across traditional disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. The consortium comprises universities, research institutions and companies located in the UK, France, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Switzerland, Cyprus and Germany.
The successful candidate will become a part of the PlasticUnderground Horizon Europe DN Project. Overall, applications are invited for 14 PhD positions funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network PlasticUnderground.
We are inviting a motivated doctoral candidate to participate in the project titled “Socio-hydrogeological assessment of microplastics occurrence in groundwater”. The project is focusing on the analysis of fate and impact of microplastic particles (MP) in groundwater resources, and associated risk perception by the population.
The successful candidate will develop a procedure for stakeholder analysis and public engagement of groundwater users focused on microplastic pollution. Additionally, the successful candidate will develop a groundwater quality monitoring assessment targeted to the evaluation of the occurrence of micro- and nanoplastics in heavily stressed aquifers. This will involve in situ measurements, questionnaire administration, geochemical, isotopic (d2H, d18O, d13C, d15N, d11B) and microplastics analyses. Results will be used to develop an integrated risk perception analysis on the actual occurrence of microplastics in groundwater in heavily stressed aquifers.
The successful candidate will be based at the Earth Science Department of Pisa University, located in Pisa (Tuscany, Italy), with short secondments in partner universities.
We offer: Horizon Europe-funded PhD position (100%) for 36 months; interdisciplinary research project and working environment; access to interdisciplinary laboratories (CIRSEC, UNIPI); international and inter-sectoral secondments; advanced training courses
We expect: MSc (or equivalent) Geology/ Hydrogeology/ Hydrogeochemistry/ Environmental Science/ or similar; good English communication skills (oral and written); ability to work in teams; high mobility; high motivation; strong interest in interdisciplinary research, contaminant hydrology and hydrogeology.
The position is limited to 36 months with a starting date of 01 October, 2023.
To be eligible, the applicant must satisfy the requirements set out in the Guide for Applicants for the call HORIZON-MSCA-2021-DN-01-01 for supported researchers, and the mobility requirements of Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions;
All researchers recruited in a DN must be doctoral candidates (i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment) and undertake transnational mobility. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
The candidates can be of any nationality, but must comply with the following mobility rule.
Mobility Rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
For more detail on the job offer, eligibility, salary and application, please visit the EURAXESS website: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/101336
