PhD position on reactive crystallization for recovery of phosphorus from waste water treatment systems
 
The Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to undertake research on developing multi-stage reactive crystallization processes for recovering of high value phosphorus product from waste water treatment system. The position is available as of August 1, 2015 for a three-year period.

The PhD project is part of a large consortium project ‘Recovery of P from wastewater treatment systems’ funded by Innovationsfonden (http://innovationsfonden.dk/da/presse/danmark-skal-vaere-uafhaengig-af-udenlandsk-fosfor). The overall goal of the project is to increase the P recovery from wastewater and transform this into high quality P products that can be used in agriculture and industry, and furthermore to strengthen the ability of Denmark to minimize our dependence of imported P, to aid the transformation of Danish wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to P recovering units providing economic benefits for society. The PhD fellow will work on the development of a multi-step reactive crystallization process to recover and to produce market competitive P products. The PhD project consists of the following research activities:

• Characterization and thermodynamic modeling of the complex P-rich stream.
• Process design and optimization of the reactive crystallization of P-products in terms of number of stages, operation costs, phosphorus product yield and purity.
• Scaling up the process to pilot scale.

The PhD fellow will work in close collaboration with the partners of the large project both in Denmark and international. 
We offer a challenging position in an international and stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure for crystalline product characterization and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT), and an excellent opportunity for collaboration both within SDU and with renowned international research groups.

Requirements to complete a PhD at SDU
- Complete a study programme of 30 ECTS points 
- Participate in teaching and dissemination of science (e.g. conferences) for approx. one semester
- Carry out an external research stay (max. nine months).
- Complete a PhD thesis including three scientific publications, all in three years
- Publicly defend your PhD

The successful applicant should have:

• A MSc degree in Chemical Engineering (finish MSc study before June 30th, 2015)
• A strong background on industrial crystallization or other industrial separation technologies
• English either native or full professional proficiency
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Interest in co-supervising BSc, and MSc students connected to the project

For further information on the position please contact Associate Professor Haiyan Qu (haq<στο>kbm.sdu.dk).  

Application, salary and conditions of employment etc.
A PhD Fellowship is a 3-year position. Employment stops automatically by the end of the period. The PhD Fellow is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the Faculty.

As part of the overall assessment of the applicant’s qualifications, an interview may be applied.

Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), Cirkulære om overenskomst for Akademikere i staten 2013 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link below. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. The Faculty expects applicants to read the information “How to apply” before applying.

Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb.

An application must include:

• A curriculum vitae
• Application form this application form for 5+3 applicants
• Letter stating your interest, motivation ect. Please attach the motivational letter to "application material" under " Research plan"
• Diplomas/certificates
• Relevant publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication, a possible co-author statement must be a part of this pdf-file

The University encourages all interested persons to apply, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background. 

Further information about the PhD-program at the Faculty of Engineering can be found here.