Postdoc (or Ph.D.) Position on Predictive Life Cycle Assessment for New Chemicals in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Ecological Systems Design Group at the Institute of Environmental Engineering is an internationally leading research group in the field of modeling, analyzing and improving the resource efficiency and environmental performance of products and processes, new technologies, and consumption patterns from a systems perspective. We offer a friendly and professional working environment, and are inviting applications for the Postdoc position (for suitable candidates, a Ph.D. level position may also be possible) further described below . 

This Postdoc (or Ph.D.) position is part of the new National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) “Sustainable Chemical Processes through Catalysis” funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The main goal of the project is to develop novel predictive life cycle assessment (pre-LCA) approaches for basic and fine chemicals with varied complexity in molecular structures. A particular focus will be laid on developing new machine/deep-learning approaches to estimating the life cycle environmental impacts of chemicals as a function of their structures. It will also look into integration of predictive screening LCA approaches and novel risk assessment tools in order to enable early identification of both environmental impact hotspots and safety concerns during the molecular design phase.

The work will be carried out in an interdisciplinary team at the Ecological Systems Design Group, in close collaboration with some other groups in the NCCR consortium. You will work in a team of researchers in the same project. An integral part of your work is publishing your results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting them at international conferences.

Your qualifications should include a corresponding level university degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences, environmental engineering, environmental sciences or similar studies with excellent grades. Interest and experience in modeling and programming is a must. A background in life cycle assessment and/or chemical risk assessment would be highly desirable. In-depth knowledge and experience in cheminformatics, big data, and machine/deep learning would be perferable. Your employment will be contracted according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 3 years in the case of a Postdoc position and 4 years in the case of a PhD position). The project will start as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement. You are expected to contribute to the teaching and research activity of the chair up to a maximum of 20% of your working time (in the case of a PhD position).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.