For almost two centuries DTU, Technical University of Denmark, has been dedicated to fulfilling the vision of H.C. Ørsted – the father of electromagnetism – who founded the university in 1829 to develop and create value using the natural sciences and the technical sciences to benefit society. Today, DTU is ranked as one of the foremost technical universities in Europe, continues to set new records in the number of publications, and persistently increase and develop our partnerships with industry, and assignments accomplished by DTU’s public sector consultancy.
The department of Environmental Engineering (DTU Environment) is a DTU-institution at the highest international level. We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies and disseminate this knowledge to society and new generations of engineers. There are about 180 employees at DTU Environment, of which more than 60 are doctoral students. We have employees with 25 different nationalities. The academic breadth and the multidisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental problems are reflected in the scientific staffing profile. DTU Environment employs engineers, chemists, biologists, geologists and physicists who work with a broad group of Danish and international partners, for example Public authorities, consultants, manufacturers, and the world's leading universities and research groups within our area.
The Department of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a position as PhD student on the topic:
”Innovative bacteria-algal system for wastewater resource recovery”.
The fellowship is funded as part of the strategic research collaboration the E4WATER (EU-FP7) project.
Job description
Green micro-algae have been identified as a potential solution to the challenge of depletion of fossil –based fuel and global warming, mostly, as a result of the high growth rate and high CO2-fixation capacity. Furthering the objective of decoupling food production from crops-based biofuel using algae biomass is of high scientific interest, presently. The main objectives of micro-algae cultivation using wastewater resources can be defined as (i) direct use for energy production via anaerobic digestion/biogas production; (ii) high-value chemical production (oils-biodiesel); (iii) the use of green micro-algae suspension as natural fertiliser in agricultural production (the indirect use for biofuel production). A cost-effective, bacteria-based wastewater treatment process that can provide balanced nutrient and optimum pH conditions for the cultivation of mixed green micro-algae population cultivation does not yet exist.
The research will focus on (i) laboratory-scale (batch and sequenced batch photo-bioreactors) experimental assessment of biochemical, physical and physicochemical processes in combination with an upstream bacteria-based system (ongoing PhD project), (ii) microbial analysis, (iii) assessment of different reuse options for harvested algal biomass, (iv) process modelling and global sensitivity analysis. Additionally, the fellow will also have the opportunity to be involved in a parallel project, focusing on the up-scaling of the technology developed. The project is embedded in the micro-algae research initiative of DTU Environment, currently employing 2 post-doctors and 3 PhD students.
Qualifications
At the date of appointment, candidates must have obtained a Master's (M.Sc.) degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the Master's degree in engineering. A high motivation for research and solid written and oral communication skills in English are prerequisites of any successful application.
The successful candidate has training and interest in the following areas: environmental biotechnology and process modelling. The candidate will have an M.Sc degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related discipline, evidence of research experience, and significant exposure to one or more of the following areas: laboratory experimental work, biokinetic process analysis, mathematical modeling, water chemistry and wastewater treatment processes.
We offer
Fellows will enjoy working in and contributing to an international and cross-disciplinary research team. English is the operational language of the department. We believe that we offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment with a good team spirit and good possibilities for professional and personal growth. We are a family-friendly organisation with flexible working hours.
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.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
The desired start date is as soon as possible in 2013.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate professor Benedek Plósz +45 4525 1694, beep@env.dtu.dk.
Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
Application
We must have your online application by 20 May 2013.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
- Letter of reference (optional)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Source: http://www.job.dtu.dk/English.aspx?guid=4f0d3cb0-33a3-4aeb-846f-e5cbc521e7c9