PhD Position in Bioelectrochemical Systems and Wastewater Treatment at Norwegian University of Life Sciences

The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is offering a PhD position related to bio electrochemical systems for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. The PhD position is for a period of 3 years, or up to 4 years if teaching and other work duties are agreed upon.

Details about the position:

The PhD project will investigate innovative wastewater management technologies for a circular economy approach by combining energy and nutrient recovery for wastewater treatment applying bioelectrochemical systems.The PhD project will focus on the design of a concept that will allow for a combined biogas upgrading and nutrient recovery using sustainable and low-cost electrode materials such as biochar in bioelectrochemical systems. The project will investigate bioelectrochemical approaches aiming at carbon dioxide utilization for biogas upgrading, and nitrogen and phoshorus recovery in the form of a biobased fertilizer.

Responsibilities:

1. Review of the scientific literature and state-of-the-art on bioelectrochemical methods for wastewater treatment.
2. Design of experiments on nutrient recovery and biogas upgrading applying bioelectrochemical methods.
3. Design, assembling and running lab scale experimental setups.
4. Data collection: laboratory observation of basic principles; formulation of the technology concept; experimental proof of concept and validation in lab.
5. Analysis of wastewater samples.
6. Advanced statistical analysis and other data sciences techniques for the handling of the collected data.
7. At least 3 publications in internationally scientifically indexed journals.
8. 2-3 presentations at international scientific conferences.
9. The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.

1. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year master’s degree, with a learning outcome corresponding to the descriptions in the Norwegian Qualification Framework, second cycle.
2. Candidates submitting MSs thesis within 15 August 2022 may be considered.
3. The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. 
4. Internationally recognised Master’s degree with high academic standing in Environmental Engineering, Chemical/Process/Bioprocess Engineering, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or related discipline.
5. Previous experience with bioelectrochemical systems including microbial fuel cells or microbial electrolysis cells is emphasized.
6. Practical experience with water and wastewater quality analysis or related analytical techniques.
7. Design of experiments.
8. Statistics for environmental engineers or similar.
9. Experimental experience, preferably in bioelectrochemical systems.
10. General knowledge and experience within water and wastewater treatment technology and engineering.
11. Experiences in scientific writing and publications in international scientific journals and conferences will be considered an advantage.
12. Have interest in applied scientific research.
13. Be a team player.
14. Be a self-motivated and well-organised candidate with good communication skills.

About the Norwegian University of Life Sciences:

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences is a public university located in Norway near Oslo and has around 5,200 students. NMBU's mission is to contribute to the well-being of the planet. Its interdisciplinary research and study programmes generate innovations in food, health, environmental protection, climate and sustainable use of natural resources.

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