PhD Candidates in Environmental Technology: Wageningen University & Research is inviting applications for two PhD positions focusing on the behavior of surface-active chemicals in the recycled cardboard industry and their interactions with microbial biofilms. These projects aim to enhance process stability and biodegradability in anaerobic wastewater treatment systems.
Designation
PhD Candidates in Environmental Technology
Research Area
- Surface rheology and material science in environmental process engineering
- Anaerobic treatment of wastewater in the recycled cardboard production industry
Location
Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree in:
- Physical Chemistry
- Food Physics
- Applied Physics or Mechanics
- Material Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Strong background in:
- Rheology
- Fluid Dynamics
- Bioprocess Engineering
- Proficiency in English (C1 level) and knowledge of programming languages like Python is a plus
- Experience with surfactants/polymers and anaerobic bioreactors will also be an advantage
Job Description
The PhD candidates will engage in the following activities:
- Sorption kinetics and isotherm investigation of surfactants.
- Biodegradation kinetics of surfactants in various conditions.
- Assessing sorption and biodegradation in Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) reactors.
- Analyzing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data in continuous experiments.
- Developing guidelines to mitigate the negative effects of surface-active chemicals in anaerobic wastewater treatment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply directly using the application button on the Wageningen University vacancy page. The application should include a complete and up-to-date CV and a motivation letter (maximum 3 pages). Additional documents such as grades and transcripts are not required at this stage.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be accepted until Monday, November 25, 2025.
For further inquiries, please contact:
- Dainis Sudmalis (dainis.sudmalis@wur.nl) for project-related questions
- Evelien Janssen (evelien.janssen@wur.nl) for procedural questions.
