Doctoral position on PFAS Pathways: Tracking “Forever Chemicals” through Soil–Groundwater Interfaces for Safer Water — ETH Zürich

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Geographic detail

This page corresponds to the job slug position-au-doctorat-sur-les-chemins-du-spaf-suivi-des-produits-chimiques-pour-toujours-a-travers-les-interfaces-sol-eau (trailing token: Interfaces Sol Eau).

The reference location stated in the job ad is Zurich, Canton of Ticino. Remote-tagged roles still retain the city reference for tax, contract and G Permit enrolment purposes.

Original description

Doctoral position on PFAS Pathways: Tracking “Forever Chemicals” through Soil–Groundwater Interfaces for Safer Water 100%, Zurich, fixed-term print Drucken The Subsurface Environmental Processes Group (Eawag and ETH Zurich) is seeking a dynamic and motivated doctoral student to study the dynamics of PFAS in subsurface environments. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly persistent synthetic compounds increasingly detected in soils and aquifers worldwide. Their extreme stability and mobility make PFAS a critical challenge for groundwater quality and drinking water security. Although PFAS contamination has been reported in many regions, the fundamental mechanisms controlling PFAS fate and transport in coupled soil–aquifer systems remain poorly understood. Job description • The focus of this PhD project will be on quantifying the control exerted by soil physico-chemical properties and episodic recharge events on the fate, transport, and transformation of PFAS • The student will have the unique opportunity to learn, develop, and apply a range of cutting-edge (laboratory) experimental and modeling techniques, including the integration of machine learning and process-based models • Measurements will be guided by and compared with the modeling developed in this project • Findings will help advance our knowledge of governing processes of PFAS mobility in soils and aquifers, providing a robust scientific basis for predictive modelling, risk assessment, and the development of sustainable groundwater protection strategies Profile • The successful candidate should have a background in groundwater hydrology, soil physics, engineering, or related areas, with a strong quantitative inclination • They should have a desire to work experimentally at the interface between physics, chemistry, and engineering, and to combine experimental research with mathematical modeling • The student will have the opportunity to work in a highly interdisciplinary, fast-paced

Job details

  • Company: ETH Zürich
  • Position: Doctoral position on PFAS Pathways: Tracking “Forever Chemicals” through Soil–Groundwater Interfaces for Safer Water
  • Location: Zurich, Ticino
  • Sector: Università / Ricerca
  • Expired on: 2026-07-16

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Information for cross-border workers

ETH Zürich is located in Zurich in the Canton of Ticino. Cross-border workers need a G Permit, renewable annually, to work in Switzerland. The Canton of Ticino applies withholding tax at variable rates on gross income. Since 2024, the New Tax Agreement introduces concurrent taxation between Italy and Switzerland.

Swiss social contributions include AVS (5.3%), unemployment insurance (1.1%) and LPP (occupational pension). Use our free tax simulator to calculate your net salary and compare the cost of living between Switzerland and Italy.

G permit and residence. To apply for this position as a cross-border worker you must reside in an Italian municipality within the 20 km border zone (Lombardy or Piedmont) and return home at least once a week. The employer files the G permit at the cantonal migration office after the contract is signed: first issuance takes 2-6 weeks and is then renewed yearly. Full-time remote work from Italy is not compatible with cross-border status; extended absences from the Italian home (more than a working week without returning) jeopardise the fiscal regime.

Net salary and the 2024 fiscal agreement. The gross salary advertised here is withheld at source by the Swiss employer at effective rates between 5 % and 19 % in the Canton of Ticino depending on income, marital status and dependants. Cross-border workers hired on or after 1 January 2024 fall under the new Italy-Switzerland concurrent regime: Italy taxes foreign employment income while granting a tax credit on Swiss withholding up to 80 %, declared in section RW of the Italian tax return. Together with social charges the typical gross-to-net gap is 18-28 %. For a personalised calculation on the gross offered by ETH Zürich open the salary simulator.

Commute and quality of life. Working in Zurich means a daily commute that depends on which crossing you use: Brogeda (A2 motorway) and Chiasso-strada cover the Mendrisiotto and Luganese areas; Stabio and Gaggiolo serve commuters from the Varese province; Ponte Tresa is the historic gateway for Luino and the Verbano lake region. At peak times a Como-Lugano leg runs 25-50 minutes; Varese-Lugano typically takes 35-60. For those considering relocation to Ticino, average rent for a 3.5-room flat in Lugano is CHF 1,500-2,200/month, against EUR 600-900 for an equivalent unit in the province of Como. The Swiss healthcare network (LAMal) offers shorter access times than the Italian SSN but at a monthly premium of CHF 350-500 per adult — a substantial line item in any net-vs-net comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What is the net salary for a cross-border worker in Ticino?
Net salary depends on gross income, marital status and number of children. In the Canton of Ticino, withholding tax ranges from about 2% to 15%. Together with AVS-AI-IPG (5.3%), unemployment insurance (1.1% up to CHF 148,200/year) and LPP (7-18% by age), the typical gross-to-net gap is 18-28%. Use our simulator for a personalised calculation against this listing.
Do cross-border workers need Swiss LAMal health insurance?
New cross-border workers since 2024 must enrol in Swiss LAMal within 3 months of starting work, unless they exercise the right of option to stay in the Italian SSN. Premiums vary by canton, insurance model (standard, family doctor, telmed, HMO) and deductible (CHF 300 minimum up to 2,500 maximum): compare LAMal premiums.
How do I get a G permit to work in the Canton of Ticino?
The G permit is filed by the employer at the cantonal migration office after the contract is signed. First issuance takes 2-6 weeks; the permit is renewed yearly up to the contractual limit. You must reside in an Italian municipality within the 20 km border zone (Lombardy or Piedmont) and return home at least once a week. Full-time remote work from Italy is not compatible with the status.
13th-month salary, vacation and overtime: what does Swiss law say?
The 13th salary is not statutory but is standard practice in Ticino and almost always specified in the contract: paid in December or split into two tranches (June + November). Minimum statutory holiday is 4 weeks (5 weeks for under-20s and over-50s with seniority). Overtime above 40-45 weekly hours, under the Labour Act (LL), is compensated with a 25% premium or equivalent time off within 14 weeks.
What documents do I need to apply for a Swiss job?
For the initial application: CV (European or Swiss format, in a cantonal language), cover letter, and a recent work certificate. After the contract is signed: valid ID card (passport recommended), Italian residence certificate, birth certificate for the G-permit filing, and — for regulated sectors (healthcare, schools, security) — recognition of the Italian degree by SBFI/SEFRI or the relevant cantonal authority, a process that takes 3-6 months.

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