Gas from Manufactured Gas Plants (MGP) was the primary lighting fuel for urban heating, cooking and lighting for over a century. In The Netherlands, the production of gas from coal stopped when natural gas became available in the early sixties. In the eighties of last century, a massive soil pollution was discovered at more than 200 MGP sites in The Netherlands as well as in all industrialized countries at that time. In the Griftparc in Utrecht a combination of MGP activities and chemical factories had been functioning which left a large and deep soil pollution. In the nineties, this site was isolated by up to 60 m deep bentonite walls in combination with a continuous treatment of extracted groundwater.
Although this approach is reliable, the maintenance costs are relatively high as well as the re-investment for a new treatment plant every 20 to 25 years.

In this PhD project, it is aimed at to develop a proof of principle for the stimulation of natural biodegradation processes of dissolved organic contaminants like BTEX and Naphthalene. Identification of limiting factors and steering of selection pressure of the microbiome that is already present in the soil and groundwater to stimulate biodegradation will be a central theme in this project. This project is part of the Best Parc Utrecht project in which Utrecht municipality cooperates with Deltares (focus on Natural Attenuation), University Utrecht (PhD focussing on transport of contaminated groundwater) and Environmental Technology at Wageningen University (this PhD vacancy). Laboratory experiments will be performed with soil and groundwater from the location to determine biodegradation rates at different environmental conditions to select optimal conditions by which contaminant transport from the site will be balanced by the stimulated biodegradation of these contaminants. Molecular techniques will be applied for analysis of the microbiome at natural and stimulated conditions.

We are looking for
We are looking for a PhD student who will work in laboratory experiments on the proof of principle for the stimulation of natural biodegradation with material from the Grift Park site. The PhD student should be able to develop generic knowledge from experimental data originating from site specific conditions.
Therefore, the student should have knowledge of and affinity with environmental technology approaches and microbial processes at environmental conditions. An understanding of transport of organic contaminants in groundwater is of importance. Experience with molecular techniques and interpretation of molecular data in relation to biological functions is appreciated. The student has good communication skills, as the PhD project is part of a larger research project.

The PhD student should have an interest in applied research, and be able to discriminate important processes from less relevant processes. Further, the PhD student should have a genuine interest to make a first robust design of a nature-based solution that will be communicated with representatives of the municipality as well as other actors that will be involved with the implementation of the proof of principle.

For this position, we request the candidate should have a master degree in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or environmental microbiology or in an equivalent program, and should have interest in transport phenomena and molecular techniques.

We offer you a temporary position 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.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

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.
• Sustainable production of energy and green chemicals.

More information of our sub-Department can be found at www.ete.wur.nl

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy 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: https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.