PhD Position on the atmospheric science of emerging plastic aerosol particles

Empa offers an opportunity to join an exciting project within the Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology at Empa, in collaboration with ETH Zurich. The four-year project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), will investigate the in-cloud scavenging processes of plastic aerosol particles through laboratory experiments that mimic their cloud ice formation processes. Your research will contribute to the fundamental understanding of the lifetime and wet deposition of plastic pollutions in the atmosphere, and to what extent, their cloud interaction abilities can regulate their life cycle and environmental impacts.

Project background

Micro- and nano-sized plastic particles (MPs and NPs, collectively called MNPs) are an emerging global concern because of their detrimental effects on the environment, ecosystems, and human health. This highlights an urgent need to track their footprints in the atmosphere which plays a key role in their lifetime in the environment. This PhD project aims to examine the atmospheric aging and in-cloud scavenging processes of micro- and nano-sized plastic particles through laboratory studies.

Your tasks

You will be based at Empa to characterize the physio-chemical properties of plastic particles and will use ice nucleation instruments at ETH Zurich to simulate cloud ice formation processes.

• Prepare MP and NP aerosol samples of atmospheric relevance
• Mimic atmospheric aging processes relevant for MNPs
• Characterize the physiochemical properties of MNPs
• Test the ice formation ability of MNPs
• Complete a PhD thesis at ETHZ

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, committed, and talented candidate.

• The successful candidate should hold an MSc (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, engineering, atmospheric/environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Previous experience with one or more of the following topics is preferred: analytical techniques for aerosol properties, micro- or nanoplastics, online or offline ice nucleation experiments.
• A good knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB or IGOR is expected.
• Excellent English skills, both in verbal and written communication, are required for the project.

Our offer

Empa offers outstanding infrastructure, career support, networking opportunities, and competitive salaries.

• Fully funded four-year PhD position at Empa in Dübendorf, starting from September 2026.
• Joint supervision/research resources and infrastructures from Empa and ETH Zurich.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a one-page letter of motivation stating research experiences and interests, CV, academic transcripts, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.