Apply now for a fully funded PhD in Water Disinfection Chemistry at ETH Zurich. Research chloronitramide formation and toxicity, join a global research team, and contribute to safer drinking water. Applications open for Fall 2025.
🎓 PhD Position in Water Disinfection Chemistry at ETH Zurich (Fall 2025 Start)
Are you passionate about environmental chemistry and public health? Here’s your chance to pursue a fully funded PhD position at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top science and technology institutions. The Environmental Chemistry Group led by Prof. Kristopher McNeill is seeking an enthusiastic PhD student to join a new, groundbreaking project focused on chloronitramide in drinking water.
💡 Project Overview
The PhD project investigates the formation and impact of chloronitramide, a newly discovered disinfection byproduct created during the autodecomposition of chloramines—chemicals commonly used in drinking water treatment. This compound has been detected in multiple chloraminated water samples but its toxicity, behavior, and regulatory implications remain unknown.
The main objectives include:
- Developing analytical techniques to monitor chloronitramide.
- Understanding how water quality parameters influence its formation.
- Supporting public health risk assessments and guiding water treatment facilities worldwide.
🔬 Job Description & Research Scope
The selected PhD candidate will:
- Conduct analytical chemistry experiments (LC-MS, membrane inlet mass spectrometry).
- Study chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms.
- Present findings at scientific conferences.
- Co-supervise MSc/BSc students and contribute to scientific publications.
You’ll be embedded in a highly collaborative and international research group with access to state-of-the-art labs and a supportive academic culture.
🧑🏫 Supervisor: Dr. Juliana Laszakovits
📍 Location: Central campus, ETH Zurich
📅 Start Date: Fall 2025 (flexible)
✅ Candidate Profile
Ideal applicants will hold an MSc in:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering or related disciplines
Strong English skills and motivation for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research are essential. Background in water treatment processes is beneficial but not required.
🌐 Work Environment at ETH Zurich
- World-renowned institution ranked in the global top 10
- Inclusive, diverse and innovation-driven culture
- Weekly seminars, mentoring, and professional development opportunities
- Located in Zurich, one of the most livable cities globally
📄 How to Apply
Applications are only accepted via the online portal. Your application should include:
- Cover letter (1–2 pages)
- Statement of research interests and career goals
- MSc thesis summary
- CV and degree certificates
- Contact details of 2–3 referees
🗓 Evaluation begins: 18 August 2025 and continues until the position is filled.
📧 For inquiries (no applications), contact Dr. Juliana Laszakovits at:
juliana.laszakovits@usys.ethz.ch
🌍 Why This Matters
With clean water challenges mounting worldwide, this project contributes directly to improving drinking water safety through science. Understanding chloronitramide’s behavior is vital to shaping regulations and informing water utilities.
💼 About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities for science and technology. With over 30,000 students and faculty from more than 120 countries, it drives scientific excellence, global collaboration, and solutions for the planet’s most pressing challenges.
