Chemical Transport Through the Global Food System

A PhD position is available in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh to explore how the industrialized food system influences the transport of contaminants on a global scale.

We seek a highly motivated scientist for a dissertation project to explore how the global food system serves as a transport pathway for chemicals. The project will combine modeling tools from environmental chemistry and life cycle analysis with chemical, biomonitoring and trade data to investigate trends in human and environmental exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals that are impacted by international trade.

The successful applicant will possess a BS or MS degree in environmental sciences, civil/environmental/chemical engineering, or a related field and have an excellent academic record. The applicant should have experience in the quantitative treatment of data, ideally with experience in statistics. Previous experience with life cycle analysis or environmental fate modeling would be an advantage. Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Scientific writing skills, the ability to organize information and to clearly communicate abstract concepts and ideas are essential.

Work Environment: The selected applicant will join a new research group at the University of Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Carla Ng. Expect a dynamic ‘startup’ environment with the opportunity to contribute to and shape the group’s research trajectory. Excellent computing facilities will be available. Dr. Ng’s experience at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) brings deep links to world-leading research groups and opportunities for collaboration.

Applications should include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, references (contact information or letters) and transcript of grades (both graduate and undergraduate, if available, as document scans).