PhD Scholarship in Environmental Regulation of Nanomaterials 2019, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

A PhD scholarship is available in the Section on Environmental Fate & Effect of Chemicals at DTU Environmental Engineering (DTU Environment) within the topic of environmental regulation and risk assessment of nanomaterials.

The specific focus of the advertised scholarship is on analysing pros and cons of existing regulation of nanomaterials and on identify legal, technical and scientific limitations when it comes to considering the formation of eco-coronas on nanomaterials. The work will furthermore include analysis of the technical guidance provided by European governmental agencies that support the implementation of existing regulations. The research combines elements of environmental engineering, materials science, policy-analysis, regulation and environmental law. The overarching context is environmental regulation and risk assessment and management of chemicals and nanomaterials in the environment.   

The scholarship is a 3-year position and is funded by Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Mistra) within the project Mistra Environmental NanoSafety Phase II. Mistra Environmental Nanosafety Phase II focuses on the fate of nanomaterials in semi-natural experimental wetland systems, at simulated realistic surface water conditions and conditions during waste handling, and how this knowledge can be implemented in nanosafety regulation. The PhD-student will work within a work package on proactive risk assessment, regulation and creation of stakeholder learning alliances lead by Associate Professor, Steffen Foss Hansen from DTU Environment.

Responsibilities and tasks

The PhD student will be part of a team working on regulation and risk assessment of emerging risks and pollutants and will work in collaboration with scientists from Sweden and international industries. The exact design of your PhD project will be decided in collaboration with the main supervisor, Associate Professor, Steffen Foss Hansen from DTU Environment. The position may also include teaching in undergraduate- and/ or level courses, supervising student projects or performing other duties.

• Performing a legal analysis of the pros and cons of existing regulation of nanomaterials
• Identify legal, technical and scientific limitations when it comes to considering the formation of eco-coronas on nanomaterials
• Completing a technical and scientific analysis of the technical guidance that support implementation of existing regulations
• Contributing to teaching in environmental regulation, management and ethics
• Participating in the completion of stakeholder analysis when it comes to regulation of nanomaterials
• Publication of innovative research findings and results in the scientific literature and presentations at international conference/meetings in English
• Active collaboration with other research sections/groups at DTU Environment and other departments at DTU as well as at other partners within Mistra Environmental NanoSafety Phase II.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Your background should be within environmental science and technology and/or law, preferably, environmental engineer, environmental planner, environmental lawyer or related. Your English and English writing skills should be excellent.  

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.