Are you the enthusiastic PhD scientist who wants to investigate biodegradation of organic micropollutants (OMPs), present in the concentrate of a novel nanofiltration (NF) membrane? Then we are looking for you!

There is growing concern about the presence of OMPs in surface waters. These OMPs, which can be consumer products or medicine residues, have the potential to cause long-term harm to humans and aquatic ecosystems. Municipal waste water treatment plants (MWTPs) are considered a hotspot for the release of these OMPs into the environment. To remove them, a NF membrane was developed that allows controlled passage of ions, but retains OMPs. The NF concentrate concentrations is recycled to the MWTP. The PhD project will focus on the effect of this recirculation on (1) the possibility to stimulate biodegradation of OMPs and (2) the treatment performance of the MWTP. OMP analyses will be used to identify and quantify their removal mechanisms (e.g. biodegradation, sorption). Bio-assays will determine the eco-toxicity of selected samples. Parameters, such as sludge production, aeration efficiency, COD removal, nitrification and sludge digestibility will provide information regarding the effect of NF recirculation on MWTP performance.
The project is financed by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research - Applied and Engineering Sciences (NWO-TTW) and will be carried out in close cooperation with two PhD students of the University of Twente focusing on the NF membrane. The research will mainly consist of laboratory work, but includes a pilot-plant located at a full-scale MWTP owned by one of the Dutch water authorities that is funding the project.
The PhD student should have knowledge of and affinity with wastewater treatment processes with an emphasis on the microbiological aspects. An understanding of and experience with chemical analyses and their interpretation is appreciated. The student is pro-active and has good communication skills as the student needs to cooperate with a broad consortium within a larger research project.

• you have a MSc degree in Environmental engineering, Environmental microbiology or closely related field;
• you have a strong interest and curiosity in biological wastewater treatment, chemical analyses and bioassays;
• the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team in an international environment and to work independently;
• you are a person with a pro -active attitude;
• you have excellent English communication skills, orally as well as in scientific writing.

The successful applicant will be employed at Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research. Salary and working conditions are according to the collective labor agreement of the Cooperative Association of Dutch Universities (VSNU) for PhD students. You receive a temporary contract for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2325,-. in the first year rising up to € 2972,-. per month in the fourth year.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus;
• a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

Environmental Technology develops and evaluates innovative environmental technologies and concepts based on processes from nature, to recover and reuse essential components and maintain and recreate a viable environment. Our education inspires students to develop their talents. We impact society by innovation through top science and focus on applicability. The current staff involves 2 full professors, 2 endowed professors, 4 associate professors, 4 assistant professors, 1 lecturer, 2 researchers. In addition, we have 4 PostDocs, 67 PhD students and last year 66 students started a thesis at our group. Projects that we work on are related to clean water and clean soil, recovery of nutrients and metals and sustainable production of energy and green chemicals. ..More information of our sub-Department can be found at http://www.ete.wur.nl.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research where fundamental and applied sciences complement each other. As an important European player, we carry out top-level research and work alongside authoritative partners within the international business world as well as the government on "Healthy food in a biobased society". We have a crucial role in innovations within the market. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are what define us. In short, we are an interesting, international employer of stature.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering 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, 5000 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 University & Research, take a look at http://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.