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PhD student to investigate the fate of viruses during atmospheric transport
Participate in an interdisciplinary project on airborne viruses.
Keywords: Virus, environmental science, environmental engineering, atmospheric transport
Aerosolized viruses (AVs) are continuously introduced into the atmosphere, where they can remain airborne for extended periods of time and be transported over long distances. AVs have the potential to induce significant and large-scale effects on ecosystems and public health. For example, AVs are believed to be involved in spreading diseases of pandemic potential, and modulate global biogeochemical cycles and nutrient fluxes. Yet, these effects remain highly uncertain, primarily because it is unknown to what extent viruses can maintain their infectivity during atmospheric transport.
Aerosolized viruses (AVs) are continuously introduced into the atmosphere, where they can remain airborne for extended periods of time and be transported over long distances. AVs have the potential to induce significant and large-scale effects on ecosystems and public health. For example, AVs are believed to be involved in spreading diseases of pandemic potential, and modulate global biogeochemical cycles and nutrient fluxes. Yet, these effects remain highly uncertain, primarily because it is unknown to what extent viruses can maintain their infectivity during atmospheric transport.
**The objective** of this project is to understand of the fate of aerosolized viruses, and to estimate their inactivation during atmospheric transport. We will work with aerosol scientists to establish the link between atmospheric conditions, aerosol chemistry and structure, and virus infectivity, and to model the distribution of viruses across the globe.
**We are looking for** highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or engineering, biology, chemistry or a related field. For this project, we will use a combination of different tools from microbiology, chemistry and aerosol science. The group language is English, therefore a good command of both spoken and written English is essential.
**The position will start** in fall 2019. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. PhD applicants must be accepted by the EPFL Doctoral School in order to pursue a PhD. For more information, please see https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/programs/edce-civil-and-environmental-engineering-2/.
**We offer** a competitive salary, a stimulating international research environment, good research infrastructures and resources, and the opportunity to live and work along the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.
**The objective** of this project is to understand of the fate of aerosolized viruses, and to estimate their inactivation during atmospheric transport. We will work with aerosol scientists to establish the link between atmospheric conditions, aerosol chemistry and structure, and virus infectivity, and to model the distribution of viruses across the globe.
**We are looking for** highly motivated candidates with a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or engineering, biology, chemistry or a related field. For this project, we will use a combination of different tools from microbiology, chemistry and aerosol science. The group language is English, therefore a good command of both spoken and written English is essential.
**The position will start** in fall 2019. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. PhD applicants must be accepted by the EPFL Doctoral School in order to pursue a PhD. For more information, please see https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/programs/edce-civil-and-environmental-engineering-2/.
**We offer** a competitive salary, a stimulating international research environment, good research infrastructures and resources, and the opportunity to live and work along the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva.
For further information about this lab and project, consult lce.epfl.ch or contact Prof. Tamar Kohn. For additional information about obtaining a PhD at EPFL, please consult https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/.
To apply, please send the following documents as a single pdf file (2 MB maximum) to karine.maritz@epfl.ch:
• a letter of motivation
• your CV
• the name and contact information of at least two references
• 1-2 page summary of your Master thesis
• A transcript of the grades of your Master degree
For further information about this lab and project, consult lce.epfl.ch or contact Prof. Tamar Kohn. For additional information about obtaining a PhD at EPFL, please consult https://www.epfl.ch/education/phd/.
To apply, please send the following documents as a single pdf file (2 MB maximum) to karine.maritz@epfl.ch: • a letter of motivation • your CV • the name and contact information of at least two references • 1-2 page summary of your Master thesis • A transcript of the grades of your Master degree