Offer Description
We are looking for a creative, highly qualified and motivated young scientist to join our INTERREG VI research project on the transport and transformation of urban micropollutants, including pharmaceutical residues and pesticides, as well as their transformation products, in aquatic ecosystems and the associated risks. This PhD project is being carried out in collaboration with the Institut Terre et Environnement de Strasbourg (ITES-UMR 7063; https://ites.unistra.fr/) of the University of Strasbourg (https://www.unistra.fr/), in partnership with the Universities of Freiburg and Landau, and is co-financed by the European Union as part of the INTERREG VI Upper Rhine program (https://www.interreg-rhin-sup.eu/projet/reactivecity-une-ville-pro-acti…).
Characterizing micropollutants in the urban aquatic environment is a challenge, as both the water balance and contaminant concentrations show pronounced variability in time and space. The processes by which urban micropollutants are released into the aquatic environment, their fate and the ecotoxicological risks they entail are still poorly understood. In particular, the monitoring of transformation products is still poorly integrated into urban environmental monitoring. The project will involve: (i) the development of in situ studies on the transformation of micropollutants in stormwater storage areas and at the outlets of wastewater treatment plants, based on composite continuous sampling; (ii) the collection of hydrochemical data and high-resolution micropollutant and stable isotope analyses, including the use of specific multi-elemental isotope analyses for emblematic urban micropollutants, based on laboratory and field studies; (iii) the quantitative and qualitative interpretation of flows, transformation and natural attenuation of urban micropollutants in receiving environments, as well as the assessment of associated risks.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of approaches such as mass balances, conceptual schemes and modeling of different scenarios for reducing the use of urban micropollutants at source. The aim will be to assess the emissions and transformation of priority urban micropollutants and their transformation products in the main receiving aquatic environments at city scale, as well as to evaluate the resulting risks.
The PhD work will consist of:
– Quantitatively assess micropollutant emissions and their transformation in the main receiving aquatic environments, using specific sampling methods and chemical analyses, taking into account extreme hydro-climatic events and periods.
– Apply high-resolution spectrometric and stable isotope analysis techniques to study the fate of micropollutants in surface waters and urban sediments.
– Interpret and predict the transport of micropollutant emission sources and their transformation in urban receiving areas, such as stormwater retention basins and areas where treated wastewater is discharged into watercourses.
– Work as part of an interdisciplinary team and with external partners (University of Freiburg and Landau, Strasbourg Eurometropole departments), in particular to develop scenarios aimed at reducing urban micropollutant emissions at source.
– Prepare scientific publications and presentations for scientific conferences.
Where to apply
E-mail: imfeld@unistra.fr
Requirements
Research Field: Environmental science » Water science
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidates must :
– Hold a Master’s degree or engineering diploma in environmental sciences, aquatic biogeochemistry and/or environmental chemistry, obtained within the last two years (candidates graduating after January 1, 2022 will be considered).
– Experience in fieldwork, hydrochemical analysis, analytical chemistry, and possibly isotope analysis.
– Have a good command of the English language, both written and spoken.
– Demonstrated ability to present scientific results, with at least one article published or in progress in peer-reviewed journals in the field.
– Communication skills and ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and technicians. Proven international research experience is required.
– Working knowledge of fieldwork, pollutant transformation, micropollutant chemistry, sampling methods, urban modeling and/or high-resolution analysis and stable isotopes is an added advantage.
Specific Requirements
Please submit your application (1 PDF file only) including a cover letter, detailed CV, list of publications, copies of certificates, letters of recommendation from at least two referees and all other relevant information.Please submit your application (1 PDF file only) including a cover letter, detailed CV, list of publications, copies of certificates, letters of recommendation from at least two referees and all other relevant information.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Environmental science » Water science
Years of Research Experience: 1 – 4
Additional Information
Benefits
The Institut Terre & Environnement (ITES), with a staff of around 200, is based on four disciplinary pillars to explore the Earth and its surface environment: hydrology, geochemistry, geology and geophysics. At ITES, laboratory and field experiments are conducted to study the transport of water and contaminants. Our interdisciplinary research group focuses specifically on the transformation of pollutants in watersheds, soils and aquifers. This study combines hydrological, microbiological and stable isotope approaches. Research at the University of Strasbourg covers a wide range of scientific fields and actively encourages interdisciplinary and international collaborations. Nestled in the heart of Europe, in a socially and economically dynamic tri-national region, Strasbourg stands out for its commitment to the environment and sustainability in France. In addition, Strasbourg offers a very pleasant living environment.
