ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY (6 positions)

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY (6 positions)

6 PHD FELLOWSHIPS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK Applicants are sought for PhD fellowships in the Department of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark. The fellowships are supported by several research grants (MIRESOWA, DW Biofilter, Ecodesign MBR) with the objective to develop and optimize biotechnological solutions for drinking water and wastewater handling. The drinking water projects have a specific emphasis on analyzing and optimizing biological rapid sand filtration technologies for both bulk and trace pollutant removal. The wastewater project has a specific emphasis on analyzing and optimizing autotrophic N removal in membrane-bioreactors. In both projects, candidates are sought with training and interest in one or more of the following: molecular microbial ecology, bioprocess engineering, and process modeling. Candidate Requirements The successful candidates will have a high motivation for research and solid written and oral communication skills. The applicants will enjoy working in and contributing to an international and cross-disciplinary research team. English is the operational language of the department. At the date of appointment, candidates must have obtained a M. Sc. in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Microbial Ecology or related discipline, evidence of research experience, and significant exposure to one or more of the following fields: basic molecular microbiology; microbial ecology; mathematical modeling and computational analysis applied to environmental/microbial systems; bioreactor technology. Terms of employment The successful candidates will be employed at DTU Environment (www.env.dtu.dk) within the framework of the Urban Water Technology graduate school (www.urbanwatertech.dk), and work under the supervision of the PIs and post-doctoral associates. DTU Environment offers state-of-the art chemical, microbial, and biomolecular analytical facilities, process laboratories, and equipment to execute this project. These project benefits from several interactions (and possible research exchanges) with other leading research groups in DK, EU, and USA and interactions with leading-edge technology providers. The appointment will be for a period of 36 months, the typical duration for doctoral studies in DK. The salary and terms of employment are consistent with the general terms for PhD students at DTU. Annual salary starts at 45,000 EUR before tax, including pension and holiday pay. Admission to the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide (http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Phd_Education/PhD_guide.aspx). How to apply Formal applications marked “Env Engineering/Biotechnology PhD application” must be submitted electronically and must contain the following information: • A cover letter stating your application and preferred PhD research project (See below), 1 page max. • A personal statement describing research expertise and interests • A curriculum vitae providing relevant academic, employment and personal details • Authorized academic transcripts and copies of master thesis or scientific publications • Contact details for two referees • Documentation of English language competence. Candidates will be evaluated based on their research and academic potential, and selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications will be accepted in English or Danish until the position is filled, but preference will be given to those received by August 31st, 2010. The positions are available from Sept 1st 2010, with later starting dates possible. All interested candidates irrespective of nationality, age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. Further Information For further information, contact Prof. Hans-Jørgen Albrechtsen (hja@env.dtu.dk) or Prof. Barth F. Smets (bfs@env.dtu.dk). Do NOT send complete applications to these e-mails, but use the electronic submission system – to be found at http://www.dtu.dk/Om_DTU/ledige_stillinger.aspx?&inst=55004755. Please open the link in the grey bar: "apply for this job online" (in Danish: "søg stillingen online") Department of Environment Engineering, Miljøvej Building 115, Technical University of Denmark DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark This research is supported by the projects MIRESOWA, DW Biofilter, and EcoDesign MBR, funded by the Danish Council for Strategic Research (DSF) PhD Projects PhD1: Molecular mapping of the diversity of ammonia and iron/manganese oxidizing bacteria at full-scale biological rapid sand filters. PhD 2 &3: Analysis and optimization of conditions that drive biological ammonia or iron/manganese removal in bench-scale biological rapid sand filters. PhD 4: Model-based analysis and optimization of biological rapid sand filters at pilot and full-scale. PhD 5: Trace pollutant removal via bioreactive barriers in groundwater extraction wells: Characterization and enhancement of microbial processes. PhD 6: Molecular and microscopic analysis of spatial and metabolic interactions in nitritation/anammox bioaggregates