Early Stage Researcher (PhD Student) for In-situ remediation for contaminated land and groundwater

ADVOCATE (Advancing sustainable in situ remediation for contaminated land and groundwater) is a multidisciplinary consortium of 20 academic and industry partners across 5 European countries, which will research fundamental science, processes and innovative technology applications in the field of in situ remediation (ISR; see also: www.theadvocateproject.eu). The research links lab-scale studies of processes with field-scale evaluation and demonstration of novel ISR concepts, using state-of-the-art methods. The aim is to develop sustainable ISR to optimize resource investment in environmental restoration. The network will provide high-quality research training to young scientists, through fully-funded Early Stage Researcher (PhD level) / Experienced Researcher (Post-doctoral level) fellowships.

Fellowship

The fellow will undertake applied research in close collaboration with practitioners. Focus is the investigation and evaluation of contaminated sites with chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) in Switzerland. Existing data are available and the candidate will further develop concepts and conceptual models for the characterization of contamination and the fate of the contaminants in soil and groundwater. This includes the practice-oriented further development of research results concerning modeling and isotope analysis for the quantification of transformation processes of CHCs. In addition, the fellow will support the national platform ChloroNet (www.chloronet.ch). 

The successful candidate will have a Masters degree in chemistry, environmental sciences or a related field. Fluency in German or French (working language) with knowledge of the other language is a requirement as well as fluency in English (Project language). We are looking for a motivated, team-oriented and multidisciplinary thinking person. Experience in environmental projects, especially with contaminated sites or in water protection, is an asset. The work will include regulatory issues and scientific research. 

Host organization

The Federal Office for the Environment FOEN is the federal government's centre of environmental expertise and is part of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication. The Contaminated Sites Section in the Soil Division is eager to endorse sustainable remediation of contaminated sites. The place of work is in Ittigen, close to Berne, Switzerland. The practical and scientific tasks, however, will require research stays at the University of Neuchâtel and the Eawag.

Duration of employment

The period of appointment for Early Stage Researchers is up to 36 months, from October 2011. Successful candidates may register for a program of study that leads to a PhD. The PhD enrolment would be at the University of Neuchâtel under supervision of Prof. Daniel Hunkeler.

Benefits

All fellows will receive a contract of employment as a full-time researcher for the relevant period of their appointment, which will include applicable benefits in the host country. All fellows will complete a comprehensive personalized career development program, with targeted training measures and participate in a range of network events across the partnership, including industrial training experience. Participation in external relevant scientific and technical training events and conferences is also supported.

Marie Curie Fellowships for Early-Stage Researchers provide a fixed salary in line with FP7-PEOPLE-2010-ITN. Additional allowances for mobility, travel and career development are also provided.

Experience and mobility conditions

To be eligible, applicants for Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) fellowships must have no PhD and less than 4 years full-time equivalent research experience from the award of the degree which would entitle them to undertake a doctorate. Applicants can be any nationality but at the time of selection must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g. work or studies) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date of the fellowship. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

These eligibility requirements for Marie Curie ESR and ER Fellowships are non-negotiable and ineligible applicants will not be considered. Further information and the full terms and conditions regarding eligibility are provided on:

ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/calls/people/m_gfamcitn_201001_en.pdf).

Application process

Candidates should provide the following information in one PDF file for their application:

1. A detailed CV with covering letter which explains your suitability, competence and motivation for scientific research and the fellowship
2. All undergraduate level certificates including university grades. Foreign documents should be sent as certified English translations.
3. A summary of technical and scientific experience
4. A synopsis of the undergraduate thesis if applicable, or a detailed description of any previous research project and its appropriate work plan
5. A list of publications and/or presentations at meetings, if applicable
6. Contact information of two referees

 Applications should be addressed by email (as a single PDF file) to Ines Buletti  (ines.buletti@bafu.admin.ch). The deadline for applications is July 8, 2011.

For further information, contact: Dr. Christoph Wenger (christoph.wenger@bafu.admin.ch), Head of Soil Division, FOEN.

Additional information

Further information on other fellowships available within the ADVOCATE Marie Curie Initial Training Network can be found on http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess/. Further information on the ADVOCATE project and consortium partners can be found on: www.theadvocateproject.eu.