Safe-And-Sustainable-By-Design Approaches for Nanocomposites in Environmental Remediation
There is a growing demand for the development of advanced technologies as the world shifts from a traditional linear economy to a modern, environmentally responsible circular economy. New methods and remediation agents are required for the efficient removal of contaminants. Novel nanocomposite-based sorbent materials show promise for pollutant adsorption and detection due to their extraordinarily high surface area, tunable pore size, and adjustable surface properties. The current project will focus on assessing the safety and efficiency of these novel nanocomposite materials to support a safe and sustainable by design approach, ultimately improving the biocompatibility of nanosized adsorbent materials.
The goals of this PhD project are to conduct a safety assessment of nanocomposites (either synthesized in the lab or obtained from collaborators) using an environmental or human exposure scenario-based approach. The project will also elucidate the underlying mechanisms of bioactivity for these nanocomposites and contribute to the formulation of design strategies for synthesizing effective nanocomposite adsorbents with favorable biocompatibility.
The PhD student's secondment at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, will be hosted by Prof. Vera Slaveykova. The visiting PhD student will benefit from the resources and facilities available in the Faculty of Sciences, particularly in the Department of Environmental and Aquatic Science. This includes access to various instrumental platforms and core facilities, such as mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and a bioimaging platform. The capabilities and facilities available encompass all relevant methods for conducting bioassays with phytoplankton and studying potential mechanisms of toxicity using single-cell techniques such as flow cytometry. Additionally, nanomaterial characterization can be performed using a range of methods, including Zetasizer Nano, flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with diode array detection, fluorescence, multiangle light scattering (MALS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for characterizing composite nanostructures.
Dr. Monika Mortimer is a Principal Investigator at the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology at NICPB in Tallinn, Estonia. She received her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. She was a recipient of a postdoctoral grant from the Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss Universities to conduct research at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, in 2012–2013. In 2014, she was awarded a postdoctoral grant from the Estonian Research Council to conduct research at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology (UC CEIN). From 2016 to 2019, she continued her appointment with UCSB as a Project Scientist. In 2019 – 2022, Dr. Mortimer served as an Associate Professor at China Jiliang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. Her research focuses on the environmental and health impacts of engineered nanomaterials and emerging pollutants. Her areas of expertise include microbiology, molecular toxicology, omics approaches, nanomaterials, and the environmental fate and effects of chemicals. Throughout her career, she has supervised 12 graduate students and served as a committee member for Ph.D. thesis defences at the University of Camerino, Italy, from 2019 to 2020.
Current research focus: novel nanocomposites for water treatment, environmental and molecular toxicology, safe design of nanomaterials
Number of Publications: 76
Key Funding:
1. Estonian Research Council project “Metal-phenolic network-coated nanoparticles for sustainable metal recycling” (01.01.2024–31.12.2028)
2. Estonian Research Council project “Application of biocompatible nano-metal organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) in reducing the toxicity of metal nanomaterials” (01.12.2022–31.12.2023)
3. European Commission project “The Narva River, from Lake Peipsi to the Baltic Sea: Challenges and Opportunities” (01.05.2023–31.10.2023)
Awards, memberships:
1. Awardee of the Estonian National Culture Foundation Scholarship (Division of Estonian Academy of Sciences) 2025
2. Academic Editor of PeerJ and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Science (section “Biogeochemical Dynamics”)
3. Chair of the Organizing Committee of the International conference EcoBalt 2023 "Chemicals and Environment" (October 9 - 11, 2023, Tallinn)
Links to accounts: ETIS, Google Scholar
The key expertise and research portfolio of Prof. Vera Slaveykova (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-8361-2509) encompasses two research axes: (i) environmental chemistry and speciation of inorganic contaminants and nanoparticles in the aquatic environment; (ii) molecular ecotoxicology, focusing on the effects of inorganic contaminants and nanoparticles on phytoplankton. The development of this research is underpinned by more than 15 million CHF in grants as applicant and co-applicant from various Swiss and international funding bodies over the last 20 years.
The research of Prof. Slaveykova is distinguished by a strong international network, including collaboration with institutions in the USA, Europe, and China. During her career, she has supervised over 50 master's-level students, 26 PhD students, and more than 30 experienced collaborators. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. She is also serving as a Specialty Chief Editor for Biogeochemical Dynamics, Frontiers in Environmental Science. In 2022, she was elected as a member of the National Research Council of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). In 2024, she was appointed as a member of the SETAC Europe Science Committee.
Required:
• A master’s degree in toxicology, biology, or related fields;
• A clear interest in the topic of the position;
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory experiments and analyze the results;
• Excellent command of English;
• Strong and demonstrable writing and analytical skills;
• Capacity to work both as an independent researcher and as part of an international team;
• Capacity and willingness to assist in organizational tasks relevant to the project;
Beneficial:
• Experience with microbiology, environmental toxicity testing, and mammalian cell culture work;
• Experimental skills working with engineered nanomaterials;
• Working knowledge of statistics.