Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
The Laboratory for Air Pollution / Environmental Technology focuses on the emissions, transport, and fate of anthropogenic air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Our research provides the scientific ground for most effectively reducing their impact by assessing and driving technical solutions supporting emission reduction, and by guiding decision makers in the field of environmental politics.
Emissions of methane (CH4), one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, will have to be mitigated drastically to meet the 1.5°C target of the Paris agreement. While setting policy targets is important, reaching these targets and verifying that they are met takes a substantial joint effort and commitment. We aim for atmospheric monitoring of CH4 emissions and co-emitted species, i.e. stable isotopes, ethane and other VOCs, of oil and gas facilities and the waste sector in Romania to support industry and authorities in implementing corrective actions.
As part of the collaborative Swiss-Romanian project, East European Methane Study (EEMS), we are looking for a highly motivated chemist, physicist or environmental scientist with strong interest and skills in analytics, automation and data analysis.
Your tasks
- Monitor CH4 concentrations, isotopic composition as well as co-emitted species in several campaigns in Romania by laser spectroscopy (e.g. CRDS).
- Operation of an ICOS flask autosampler for VOC analyses.
- Installation, operation, and maintenance of the analytics and metrological measurements.
- Automation of measurement and calibration routines, data evaluation and quality control.
- Communicate results in project reports and at meetings.
Required skills
- MSc degree in chemistry, physics, environmental science or a related discipline.
- Strong skills in analytics / atmospheric monitoring of greenhouse gases and interest in automated setups and field work.
- Knowledge of scientific data analysis (e.g. Python, MATLAB or R).
- Good verbal and written communication skills in German and English.
- Self-responsibility and willingness for open communication and committed teamwork.
- Willingness for regular travel to Romania and interest in collaboration / exchange with local research partners.
Our offer
We are a dynamic research team, dedicated to advancing the use of laser spectroscopy to address environmentally relevant and health related research questions. We are offering a multifaceted and challenging position for 3 years in a modern research environment with excellent infrastructure. The appointment will start preferably by mid 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling base until the position is filled.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
David
Heusser,
HR Partner