Switzerland – EPFL PhD Position in Environmental Chemistry / Water Treatment / Pathogen Disinfection
The Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry at EPFL (http://lce.epfl.ch) is interested in naturally occurring processes in surface water that can lead to the inactivation of viral pathogens. Some of the most effective water treatment methods (e.g., waste stabilization ponds) rely on such natural disinfection processes. Even though these treatment methods are extensively used, little is known about the factors that control virus inactivation.
We are currently looking for a PhD student to carry out a thesis in the area of virus-particle interactions and their effect on virus disinfection. In particular, we are interested in understanding how electrostatic forces or radicals produced from photo-active particles affect virus viability. For this project, we will use a combination of analytical and photochemical techniques, as well as molecular biological methods. Our long-term goal is to use the knowledge gained from our research to improve existing water treatment systems, and develop novel, more effective methods at a low cost.
Institution: EPFL is a top-tier European research institution located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The campus is beautifully situated at the shore of Lake Geneva, with a full view of the Alps.
Education
Highly motivated candidates with a Masters degree in environmental sciences or engineering, chemistry, biology or a related field, and with a strong interest in water treatment are encouraged to apply. The group language is English, therefore a good command of both spoken and written English is essential.
Application
Please send a letter of motivation, your CV and the name and contact information of two references to tamar.kohn@epfl.ch. Application deadline is November 15th 2008.
Tamar Kohn
tamar.kohn@epfl.ch
Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Lausanne
Ansprechpartner: Tamar Kohn, tamar.kohn@epfl.ch
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