Join a groundbreaking PhD program focused on sustainable, algae-based wastewater treatment technologies. This fully funded international joint PhD is offered by Nantes Université (France) and Flinders University (Australia). It offers an exciting research opportunity to develop advanced control systems for algal wastewater treatment using Sequencing Batch Reactor – High Rate Algal Ponds (SBR-HRAPs).
🔍 Research Focus:
Optimization and Advanced Control of Sequential Batch Operation in High Rate Algal Ponds (SBR-HRAPs)
🌍 Why This PhD Matters
Traditional wastewater treatment methods, such as the activated sludge process, consume high energy and offer limited nutrient recovery. In contrast, algae-based bioprocesses like HRAPs provide an eco-friendly, low-cost alternative—especially suitable for rural, decentralized, and arid regions.
Despite the advantages, integrating sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operation into HRAPs remains underdeveloped. This PhD project aims to design, model, and implement intelligent control systems to enhance the performance of SBR-HRAPs under diverse environmental conditions.
🎯 PhD Objectives
- Predict and optimize treatment efficiency in varying environmental conditions
- Improve operational control: aeration, mixing, and feed intervals
- Reduce energy consumption while enhancing nutrient recovery
- Ensure compliance with water reuse and public health standards
- Build a real-time digital twin for process monitoring and optimization
🧪 Research Methodology
This is an interdisciplinary PhD blending lab experiments, process modeling, and real-world pilot testing:
Phase 1 – France (GEPEA Laboratory, Nantes Université):
- Develop and simulate control algorithms using the AlgoSolis research platform
Phase 2 – Australia (Flinders University):
- Validate models in a live HRAP pilot facility at SA Water’s Angaston site
- Compare performance of CSTR-HRAP vs SBR-HRAP configurations
👥 Supervision & Mentorship
Nantes Université:
- Prof. Jérémy Pruvost (Bioprocess Engineering)
- Dr. Mariana Titica (Bioprocess Engineering)
- Mr. Guillaume Cogne (Bioprocess Engineering)
Flinders University:
- Prof. Howard Fallowfield (Applied Phycology, Public Health)
🎓 Program Highlights
- Dual PhD degree from Nantes Université and Flinders University
- No tuition fees at one institution
- Research stays split across France and Australia (18–24 months each)
- Fully funded (stipend + research expenses)
- Access to state-of-the-art labs and field sites
- Develop career-ready expertise in clean water technologies, algal bioprocessing, and digital control systems
🧠 Preferred Candidate Background
Applicants should have demonstrated expertise or strong interest in:
- Bioprocess engineering
- Process modeling and simulation
- Control systems design
- Algal biotechnology and photobioreactors
- Sustainable or solar-driven wastewater technologies
🔗 Apply Now: Submit your application online
📩 Contact & More Info
For further information or queries, please reach out to the program coordinators listed on the application portal.
🌱 Shape the Future of Wastewater Treatment
This PhD opportunity is perfect for aspiring researchers who want to contribute to:
- Eco-innovative water treatment solutions
- Circular economy and resource recovery
- Climate-resilient and low-energy biotechnologies
Earn a globally recognized dual PhD while driving the next generation of algae-based wastewater innovation.