Postdoc Researcher: Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on arthropods in agricultural food webs | |
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Workplace | Zürich, Zurich region, Switzerland |
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Postdoc Researcher: Effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on arthropods in agricultural food webs 100%, Zurich, fixed-termIn modern agriculture, plastic products are used for various purposes. Residues of such products can accumulate in the environment, particularly in the soil of terrestrial ecosystems. Over time, larger macroplastic pieces break down to smaller particle sizes, which are difficult to detect analytically when in the µm or even nm size range. Despite these challenges, estimating the exposure of soil organisms to micro- and nanoplastics, as well as toxicity to organisms following exposure, is important. Microplastic pollution has already been shown to influence plants, microbial communities, and soil invertebrates in scenarios with high exposure concentrations and nano plastics have been shown to be taken up by crop plants. In this project, we will investigate the transfer and effects of micro- and nano-plastics in agricultural food chains involving model decomposer and predator species. Project backgroundThis Postdoc is hosted by Prof. Denise M. Mitrano at ETH Zurich who leads the Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials (ECAM) Group. Our research focuses on the distribution and impacts of anthropogenic materials in technical and environmental systems, and we are particularly interested in developing analytical tools to mechanistically understand the fate, transport and biological interactions of particles, such as metal colloids, engineered nanomaterials and microplastics. Our results can inform risk assessments of anthropogenic pollutants and propose solutions for sustainable freshwater and soil management. We work as an interdisciplinary team of environmental scientists, environmental engineers, analytical chemists and biologists with diverse scientific backgrounds coming from across the world, and find this diversity an asset in building a creative and dynamic working environment. Job descriptionThe position will be jointly supervised by Dr. Michael Meissle (Biosafety Research Group) and Dr. Thomas Bucheli (Environmental Analytics Research Group) at Agroscope in Zurich. Agroscope is the Swiss center of excellence for agricultural research and it is affiliated with the Federal Office for Agriculture. The Biosafety Research Group assesses environmental impacts of different technologies on the biodiversity in agroecosystems with a focus on beneficial arthropods. The Environmental Analytics Research Group studies the occurrence, behavior and effects of different organic micro-pollutants in agroecosystems. Your profile
We offerETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits. Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversityIn line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Curious? So are we.We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
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