Overview
Are you interested in a research career and in developing tomorrow`s computer systems for forecasting and control in urban water management? Then here is an opportunity to do a PhD in an internationally recognized research environment supported by some of the world`s leading environmental consulting and software developers.
Wider context of the project
This PhD scholarship is funded by the DTU Environment.
The overall aim of the PhD fellowship is to close the current knowledge gap, existing between state-of-the-art process models, predicting the fate of xenobiotic organic micro-pollutants (XOMs) and full-scale XOM removal efficiencies observed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Major outputs of this project shall be a modeling framework developed for assessing the fate of selected pharmaceuticals in WWTPs.
The list of possible scientific collaborators include leading scientist in the field, working at DTU Environment, the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (Norway) and at the Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology-INRA-UR50 (France).
Scientific focus of the announced PhD position
Removal of anthropogenic pharmaceutical contaminants derived from point and network sources through conventional biological treatment processes is a significant but insufficient means in reducing the environmental impact. The selection and development of, for instance, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment is one of the greatest concerns with regard to the use of antimicrobials – a potential threat to public health.
Consequently, the robust prediction of xenobiotic organic micro-pollutants (XOM) mass-balance around bioreactors is crucial to (i) improve the assessment of the environmental impact, (ii) assist the regional decision making process to optimize pollution control; (iii) develop robust control strategies, including advanced chemical processes combined with biological systems. Research in the field of water and environmental biotechnology is concerned with describing XOM fate using experimental and mathematical modeling assessments. Simulation results obtained using conventional process models of xenobiotic organic micro-pollutant (XOM) fate in water discharges suggest significant discrepancies between measured (full-scale) data.
As evidenced by our already published results, these model inefficiencies can be avoided using a model identification/calibration method developed in a former project. The high number of pharmaceutical XOMs and the wide variety of biodegradation and speciation processes characteristic to these compounds require the development of a modeling framework, including process kinetics equations and assumptions made based on physico-chemical assessment of contaminants – an aim that this fellowship would advocate. The PhD fellow would carry out mathematical model identification, calibration and evaluation using an experimental database. Additionally, the successful candidate would carry out or coordinate targeted experimental activities, if required. Model-based evaluation of possible engineering solutions to enhance XOM removal will also be undertaken. The simulation software WEST (MostForWater) with open code will be used by the fellow.
Qualifications
At the date of appointment candidates must hold an MSc degree in engineering sciences, natural sciences and/or mathematics, preferably with a specialization in two of the following fields: bio-/chemical/environmental engineering, statistics, process modeling and Bayesian analysis. The successful candidate must be an efficient team worker, have good communication skills, and have a critical approach to formulation and testing of hypotheses. Practical experience (e.g., laboratory, process modelling) is an advantage but not a prerequisite. Any former process modeling experience in using the software WEST will be considered as an advantage.
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.
PhD at DTU Environment
As PhD student at DTU Environment you will be part of the scientific staff and treated as such. We are one of the leading university institutes in Europe with a large network worldwide. We have an international environment with an international MSc education and 60 PhD students from a number of countries. Copenhagen is a pleasant place to live with easy transport and a rich cultural life.
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 successful candidate will be employed at and enrolled as a PhD student at DTU Environment (www.env.dtu.dk), within the framework of the Urban Water Technology graduate school (www.urbanwatertech.dk). Annual salary starts at 45,000 EUR before tax, including pension/holiday pay.
The starting date is negotiable but a quick start is preferred.
Further information
Further information is available from Associate Professor Benedek Gy. Plósz (e-mail: beep@env.dtu.dk).
Do NOT send applications to this e-mail address, but use the electronic submission system - see below!
Application
We must have your online application by 20 January 2011. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach the following documents:
- A cover letter explaining the applicant`s motivation to apply for the research project (not more than one page)
- A curriculum vitae providing relevant academic, employment and personal details
- Authorized academic transcripts and copies of master thesis work or publications
- Contact details for two reference persons that we may contact for further inquires
- Documentation of English language competence
- Candidates will be evaluated based on their research potential and commitment and selected candidates will be invited for an interview.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Source: http://www.dtu.dk/English/About_DTU/vacancies.aspx?guid=40135f25-914a-4503-bfd2-c04d87169d84
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