Doctoral student – Extent and markers of trash burning in Zurich

Jobbeschreibung

Doctoral student – Extent and markers of trash burning

The Global Health Engineering group in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering considers how engineered tools, the natural environment, organizational systems and human health are interconnected. Our work looks at ways of reducing the negative impacts of modern life while addressing equity and social justice, particularly in urban areas of over-exploited countries. Methodologically, we conduct applied research by working with interdisciplinary partners and relevant stakeholders, at the interface of engineering and economics.

Job description

Urban areas of the Global South are not just becoming denser, they are consuming more and producing more trash. However, the government entities that are usually responsible for trash collection struggle with physical access, infrastructure maintenance, and payment collection. As a result, trash burning has become one of the most common strategies for waste management, though little is known about its extent, its impacts, or how it can be monitored.

Working with experimental and real-world data, we want to develop, test, and validate a suite of tools that can be used to predict and map different types of smoke and their relative impacts. This work will involve extensive sensor piloting, large-scale data management, complex stakeholder interaction, the development of a health and spatial model and many hours spent by burning trash.

Your profile

We are looking for an extraordinary candidate who is as committed to scientific discovery as she/he is to solid waste management. The ideal candidate will have:

A Masters degree in applied science or engineering

Experience with air quality monitoring, sensors, modelling

A passion for prototyping, design, and building experience: you like to make things

A willingness to travel and work alone in difficult conditions: you are not afraid of getting dirty

Demonstrated leadership skills and team management experience

A curious mind, a positive attitude, a love of research

Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills: you can make a new plan when something goes wrong

Work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and an interest in AI are attractive but not required.

ETH Zurich

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.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application (in English)including:

A 1-page letter of motivation detailing previous research experience and relevant skills in field, lab and/or theoretical work

A CV including publications

A 1-page reflection addressing the relevance, legacy and future of “international development research”. Given the dynamic nature of this conversation, non-traditional references and links to videos/memes/blogs are encouraged.

Contact details of 2 referees

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley by email at tilleye@ethz.ch (no direct applications).

Extra Informationen

Status

Inaktiv

Ausbildungsniveau

Andere

Standort

Zurich

Arbeitsstunden pro Woche

10 - 40

Jobart

Teilzeitjob

Tätigkeitsbereich

Verkauf / Retail

Führerschein erforderlich?

Nein

Auto erforderlich?

Nein

Motivationsschreiben erforderlich?

Nein

Sprachkenntnisse

Deutsch