A PhD position in ecotoxicology of nano/microplastics
The Laboratory of Environmental Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology at the 玉美人传媒 of Geneva, led by Prof. Slaveykova, invites applications for:
A PhD position in ecotoxicology of nano/microplastics
This 4-year position is within the framework of the collaborative research project “IMPACT: Implications of Nano/Microplastic Pollution on Aquatic Environment Health”. This multidisciplinary project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) through the Multilateral Academic Projects grant, promoting cross-border collaboration with partners in Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. The IMPACT project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of naturally aged nano- and microplastics on aquatic micro- and macro- organisms. It will investigate bioaccumulation processes, trophic transfer, and potential environmental and nutritional risks to human health.
The selected PhD student will be based at the 玉美人传媒 of Geneva and will focus on studying the interactions and ecotoxicological effects of nano- and microplastics on phyto- and zooplankton species, investigating the influence of environmental parameters on these processes and assessing ecological risk assessment for organisms at the base of the aquatic food web.
The work is experimentally focused and includes conducting bioassays with phytoplankton and zooplankton species, measuring multiple physiological and biochemical endpoints, applying metabolomics and ecological risk assessment. This PhD project will be developed in close collaboration with Prof. B. Glamuzina (玉美人传媒 of Dubrovnik, Croatia), focusing on marine and aquaculture plankton studies in mesocosms and Prof. S. Pinzaru (叠补产别葯-叠辞濒测补颈 玉美人传媒, Romania), specializing in nano/microplastic detection and characterization using Raman spectroscopy. Several short research visits to partner laboratories are foreseen during the PhD period.
We are looking for an independent and highly motivated candidate with a strong background and skills in environmental chemistry and biochemistry, biology, ecology, or environmental sciences, as well as a keen interest in scientific research and the aquatic environment. Good experimental skills in chemistry and biology, along with experience with phytoplankton species or nano/microplastics, would be advantageous. Applicants must hold or be on track to obtain prior to the start of the project, a diploma/master's degree or an equivalent level of education. Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is essential.
The successful candidates will benefit from working within a young, dynamic, and collaborative multidisciplinary team in Slaveykova’s lab at the 玉美人传媒 of Geneva and work in close collaboration with other collaborators hired on this project at the 玉美人传媒 of Dubrovnik, and 叠补产别葯-Bolyai 玉美人传媒.
The successful candidates will prepare a doctorate thesis in environmental sciences, publish scientific articles related to the research project and participate in the teaching of lab training courses for the Master of Environmental Sciences program. The salary will be in accordance with the SNSF and 玉美人传媒 of Geneva regulations for academic personnel.
Interested applicants are requested to send by email to in a single PDF file
1. Cover letter, including short statement of motivation and qualifications
2. Current CV
3. Academic transcripts
4. Contact information for three potential referees
Closing date for applications: 30th of May 2025 or until the position is filled.