Postdoc in Polymer Environmental Toxicology & Risk Assessment

Job Overview

The P&G Digital Accelerator@UC is seeking a PhD environmental scientist or biologist for a 24-month post-doctoral position. Building upon the foundational work of the CEFIC LRI eco46 polymer research program, the successful candidate will lead the design and execution of innovative experiments to evaluate the environmental hazard of water-soluble polymers.

Essential Functions

• Biological hazard assessment: Lead the design and laboratory execution of experiments to characterize the effects of water-soluble polymers on aquatic organisms under environmentally relevant conditions.
• Experimental Innovation: Develop and refine testing strategies that account for complex polymer behaviors (e.g., sorption, bioavailability, and physical effects) in "wet lab" environments.
• Data Synthesis: Perform advanced data analysis and statistical modeling to interpret complex dose-response relationships and integrate findings into environmental risk assessment frameworks.
• Collaborative Research: Work within a multi-functional team of toxicologists, chemists, and regulatory experts to translate experimental data into environmental safety models.

Required Education

PhD Degree in environmental science including environmental toxicology, environmental risk assessment biology, or closely related life science fields.

Required Experience

• Capable of independently designing and executing experiments, data interpretation, and identifying appropriate follow-up strategies.
• Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills.
• Solid understanding of chemical phys/chem properties.
• Engage in trainings that is needed for job performance such as safety, data analysis and quality control.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Strong “wet lab” skills, hands-on laboratory experience with standard environmental science model organisms (e.g., Daphnia).
• Experience with standard regulatory environmental hazard methods will be preferred (e.g., OECD/EPA/ISO methods for algae, invertebrates, fish alternative approaches).
• Demonstrated attention to detail is critical. Must be able to critically evaluate complex data sets and apply new approaches to solve complex environmental testing questions.
• The individual must be a team player with a “Roll up your sleeves” attitude and able to partner with a multi-functional team to define and execute against experimental requirements.
• Excellent adaptability and flexibility, and most importantly excellent learning capabilities with open mindset.