Job Wageningen UR (University & Research centre) - Two PhD positions on Sustainable Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage

The project is part of a wider research program developing sustainable urban environments using subsurface energy storage in aquifer systems at a depth of 20 – 300 m bsl. Two vacancies for PhD positions are available. PhD1 will be researching effects of Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) on groundwater quality. Due to changes in temperature in the subsurface, detoriating impacts and beneficial effects (degradation of organic pollutants) can occur. Research will be conducted in the field at pilot sites and in laboratory set ups mimicking field situations. PhD2 will model ATES at different scales in different urban and industrial settings, thus addressing efficiencies and scalability of ATES. The application spin off of both PhD’s is the definition of optimal application conditions for ATES at a wide scale.

As PhD researcher you are an ambitious and enthusiastic scientist and a team player, devoted to help to develop a sustainable and climate neutral environment.
You also have:

- a MSc in Environmental Sciences and/or Environmental Technology
- knowledge and expertise on chemical, energy related, and microbial processes (PhD 1) in groundwater and the subsurface; knowledge and expertise on modeling of sustainable urban environments with respect to water and energy (PhD 2)
- scientific research skill
- excellent communication skills and team work attitude

We offer you as talented scientist a challenging career trajectory as a PhD giving you an excellent position to enter a career as environment al and sustainable energy specialist in research, industry or government. Of course training and coaching are provided and interdisciplinary (international) cooperation is stimulated. As we will only be selecting outstanding candidates, this will be a good stepping stone to a further career within Wageningen UR or elsewhere.We offer you a temporary contract with the possibility of extension, for 38 hours per week. Gross Salary: from € 2042,- to €2612,-, based on full time employment and dependent on expertise and experience. Information:For more information about the position: Prof.dr.ir. H.H.M. Rijnaarts, telephone number: +31 317 480743Information about the selection procedure: Mrs. J. van Meurs, telephone number: +31 317 80101 Application:You can apply online until April 21st 2010.

Wageningen University and Research CentreDelivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus – each and every day. Within our domain, healthy food and living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society – such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don’t do this alone. Every day, 6,500 people work on ‘the quality of life’, turning ideas into reality, on a global scale. Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.For further information about working at Wageningen UR, take a look at http://www.jobsat.wur.nl.

AFSG-vacatures@wur.nl