The Department of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for one PhD position to help unravel the environmental and biochemical mechanisms and controls of N2O dynamics during biological wastewater treatment.
Laughing gas (N2O) is a greenhouse gas 300 times stronger than CO2 and a dominant ozone destroying chemical. Biological processes - the same that are essential for removing polluting reactive nitrogen from wastewaters - are potential sources of N2O.
Responsibilities and tasks
The topic of the PhD is - in collaboration with others: (1) to conduct targeted experiments with the aim to track and quantify the mechanisms of N2O transformation in N cycling communities, and (2) to conduct experiments using15N and 18O stable isotope enrichments and mass spectrometry in combination with novel on-line sensor technologies at both lab-scale and pilot-scale. Emphasis will also be on the quantitative evaluation of rate-controlling parameters on N2O dynamics.
The team will focus on synthetic and open microbial communities that can be found in various biological nutrient removal processes, with a special interest in those performing autotrophic N removal. For further information on the project, visit the homepage www.n2oman.dk
Qualifications
The successful applicant for the PhD position will have a strong training and interest in Bioreactor/Bioprocess Technology, with significant evidence of experience in bioreactor operation, and one or more of the following fields: Biogeochemistry, Microbial Ecology or Inorganic Chemistry with experience in the use of stable isotopes or microsensor application.
The candidate will have a high motivation for research, evidence of solid written and oral communication skills, and enjoys working in an international and cross-disciplinary team.
At the time of appointment, the candidate should have M.Sc. degree in Environmental Sciences, Biology, Microbial Ecology, Biochemical, Environmental or Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by an assessment committee chaired by Prof. Barth F Smets.
We offer
The candidates will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers (supported by this and other grants) who have the overall aim to elucidate and ultimately control N2O dynamics in bioengineered systems for N removal from residual waters. This team consists of environmental microbiologists, microbial ecologists, biogeochemists, environmental engineers, biological process modelers, and process control engineers.
DTU is ranked as one of the foremost technical universities in Europe, located just north of Copenhagen, the capital of DK. The Department of Environmental Engineering offers state-of-the art chemical, microbial and molecular analytical facilities, process laboratories and equipment to execute the projects.
Salary and appointment terms
The PhD fellow will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
The position is available as of 1 March 2015. The period of employment is 3 years each and is supported by a research grant from The Danish Council for Independent Research | Technology and Production Sciences (FTP).
The positions will be based at DTU, Lyngby Campus, Denmark.
Employment conditions for the position include comprehensive health-care and social security provisions.
Further information
For further information, please contact Prof. Barth F. Smets,bfsm@env.dtu.dk. Please do not send the application to this email address, but apply online using the electronic submission system.
Application
Your online application must be submitted no later than 15 December 2014.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file.
The application must include the following:
- A cover letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages)
- A curriculum vitae including relevant information on previous employment, research training, experience and competencies, teaching experience, scientific publications, conference presentations, and personal contact information
- Authorized copies of BSc and MSc degree diplomas, including transcript of grades Copies of master thesis or coauthored scientific publications. Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here).
- Documentation of English language competency.
The selection will be based on a two-step application process. In a first step, all applications will be reviewed to generate a short list of candidates. Potential candidates will be invited for a personal on-site interview. The position starting date is subject to mutual agreement.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Apply no later than 15 December 2014
Apply for the job at DTU Environment by completing the following form.