Doctoral researcher in Environmental Chemistry

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) is an interdisciplinary research centre of the University of Luxembourg.
We conduct fundamental and translational research in the field of Systems Biology and Biomedicine - in the lab, in the clinic and in silico. We focus on neurodegenerative processes and are especially interested in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and their contributing factors. The LCSB recruits talented scientists from various disciplines: computer scientists, mathematicians, biologists, chemists, engineers, physicists and clinicians from more than 50 countries currently work at the LCSB. We excel because we are truly interdisciplinary, and together we contribute to science and society.

Your role

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the IAS Audacity project AI4TECS, which investigates how advanced AI techniques can enable real‑time identification and treatment of emerging contaminants. The successful candidate will contribute to a cutting‑edge research effort aimed at transforming environmental monitoring and water treatment.

Your Tasks:

• Writing a doctoral dissertation in natural sciences
• Publishing and presenting research findings in leading journals and scientific meetings, enhancing the visibility and impact of the AI4TECS project
• Potential participation in teaching activities

AI4TECS aims to develop the first AI‑powered system that integrates real‑time EC identification using non-target high resolution mass spectrometry data, toxicity prediction, and transformation product modelling into an early‑warning monitoring framework. The successful candidate will pursue these core research directions:

• Conduct a retrospective analysis on pre-existing environmental datasets to develop and test early warning capabilities in surface water systems
• Design non-target workflows for the identification of ECs and potential TPs in wastewater
• Optimize these NT workflows for the continuous >2 year performance assessment of an advanced wastewater pilot system for removing ECs
• Provide robust background knowledge upon which the AI-powered early warning systems will be built and trained, and rigorous testing of the developed method(s)

The PhD candidate will join an interdisciplinary project team with expertise spanning environmental chemistry, AI, and water‑treatment engineering. Collaboration is central to the project's design. Throughout the project, the candidate will work closely with a second doctoral researcher to be recruited within the AI4Science Group at the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine. The ECI PhD candidate will perform prioritized Non-Targeted Analysis across diverse water matrices and case studies, while the AI4Science PhD will develop machine‑learning models that learn from and build upon these pNTA results.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Emma Schymanski and Dr. Federica Piras. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Federica Piras (firstname.lastname_AT_uni.lu).

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about advancing scientific knowledge at the intersection of AI, environmental science, and engineering. The ideal applicant brings not only strong technical skills, but also the mindset needed to thrive in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment.

• A Master's degree in environmental science or engineering, cheminformatics or a closely related field
• Solid background in environmental chemistry, with a particular interest in non-target screening (HRMS)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with enthusiasm for scoping appropriate case studies
• Willingness to do extensive lab work or collaborate with other group members to perform measurements
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research, and the ability to engage meaningfully with collaborators from computer science, environmental chemistry and water‑treatment engineering
• Team‑oriented mindset, with openness to feedback and a collaborative spirit
• Proactive, self‑driven approach to research, demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to research excellence

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission - Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae including your current contact address, study experience, and publications (if any)
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Names and contact details of three references willing to write recommendation letters

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08004

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).