Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Engineer on Biological Wastewater Treatment using Densified Activated Sludge
EAWAG Dübendorf, Eidg. Anstalt für Wasser-, Abwasserreinigung & Gewässerschutz
Publication date:
01 March 2025Workload:
100%Contract type:
Unlimited employment- Place of work:Dübendorf
Job summary
Join Eawag, a leading aquatic research institute in Switzerland. This role offers a chance to innovate in wastewater treatment.
Tasks
- Investigate Densified Activated Sludge for enhanced nitrogen removal.
- Analyze microbial communities and granulation mechanisms effectively.
- Collaborate with Werdhölzli WWTP to implement findings.
Skills
- PhD in environmental engineering with microbiology expertise required.
- Strong data analysis and biological process modeling skills.
- Excellent English communication; German knowledge is a plus.
Summary from the original job ad
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Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.
Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Engineer on Biological Wastewater Treatment using Densified Activated Sludge
The Department of Process Engineering has a vacancy for a
Topic Many wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are reaching their treatment and clarification limits. With upcoming legislative changes and population growth, the WWTP of Zurich (named “Werdhölzli”) will need to treat higher nitrogen loads, making it crucial to implement intensified technologies that enhance treatment efficiency with minimal modifications to its existing infrastructure, while reducing its environmental footprint. Densified Activated Sludge (DAS), a mixture of flocs and small, dense granules (<500 microns), offers significant advantages over conventional activated sludge, such as higher biomass retention and improved settleability. The project proposed in collaboration with Werdhölzli WWTP focuses on the testing of DAS in a continuous-flow system for intensification of nitrogen removal and reduction of N2O emissions. This project offers a unique opportunity to investigate granulation mechanisms and their implications for nitrogen removal and greenhouse gas emissions at full-scale. The position will help identifying the relevance of DAS for the future upgrade of the plant. Research efforts will be focused on better understanding: the microbal assembly of DAS (especially regarding the nitrifying community), the granule formation mechanisms, the nitrogen removal performances, and the practical implications.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated PhD in environmental engineering with expertise in microbiology and process engineering related to biological wastewater treatment. Proficiency in biological process modeling and data analysis is appreciated. Strong organizational skills, an independent working style combined with a team-oriented mindset, and excellent spoken and written English are essential. Knowledge of German is a strong advantage.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application must include a cover letter explaining your motivation for the position, a CV, three references with contact details, diplomas and transcripts. Preferred starting date: summer 2025 for 24 months (upon funding of the project).
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work, conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.
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Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
