Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is accepting applications for a fully funded Ph.D. position in Environmental Technology focusing on nitrous oxide (Nâ‚‚O) emission mitigation in biological wastewater deammonification systems under the European UNITED project.
Research Focus & Water Technology Scope
Biological nitrogen removal is a vital process in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants to prevent eutrophication in aquatic receiving waters. This 4-year doctoral research project addresses critical environmental water technology challenges:
- Deammonification & Biological Nitrogen Removal: Investigating anammox microbial dynamics, aeration control strategies, and nitrogen mass balances in bioreactors.
- Nâ‚‚O Emission Quantification & Modeling: Identifying operational triggers responsible for nitrous oxide formation during biological wastewater purification.
- Climate Neutral Water Sector Technologies: Collaborating directly with Dutch water boards, technology vendors, and environmental engineers to achieve climate-neutral water treatment targets.
Funding Package & Appointment Details
- Host Group: Environmental Technology Sub-department, Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands.
- Duration: 4 Years full-time doctoral appointment.
- Salary: €2,872 to €3,670 gross per month (in accordance with Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities), plus holiday and end-of-year allowances.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Environmental Technology, Water Engineering, Chemical Biotechnology, Biobased Sciences, or related fields.
- Hands-on experience with bioreactor operations, chemical analysis, micro-pollutants, or microbial kinetics.
- Strong proficiency in scientific English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Wageningen University job portal. Candidates should submit a detailed motivation letter, academic transcripts, M.Sc. thesis summary, and CV.