Arbetsbeskrivning

Doctoral student position in Mechanistic understanding of organic micropollutants removal from wastewater in biological activated carbon filters We are looking for a Doctoral student to join our team at the Division of Water Environment Technology within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. You will contribute to exciting research on micropollutant removal from wastewater using biological activated carbon filters within a collaborative and dynamic environment. This position combines experimental work with the use of advanced analytical tools and theoretical data analysis. About us  The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for both the built and natural environments, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution, and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering, and related disciplines to build a better world.  The division of Water Environment Technology is committed to contributing to the challenges of sustainable development. We conduct interdisciplinary research and education in the areas of water, environment, energy, and sustainability. In the Water Quality and Resource Engineering group, water- and wastewater treatment is one of our focus areas. Many of our project are carried out in collaboration with stakeholders related to water infrastructure.   About the research project    In this PhD project, you will analyse the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewater using granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Removal occurs by adsorption to and biodegradation in the biofilm that develops on the GAC surfaces. To investigate the complex relationship between the biofilm and GAC matrices in the removal process, advanced analytical techniques will be applied, including mass spectrometry imaging, chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in combination with metagenomics for microbial community anaysis. Laboratory-scale GAC filters will be used in conjunction with samples from full-scale filters to assess the impact of dissolved organic matter and microbial biofilm composition on OMP removal. The PhD student position is for 4 years, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of 5 years if you contribute to teaching at the department. Who we are looking for The following requirements are mandatory: • To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in relevant fields such as environmental engineering, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or civil engineering. • You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English.  *For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.  The following experiences will strengthen your application:  • Experiences in operating filters or biological reactors, using molecular biology techniques, chemistry, programming, data analysis, and advanced analytical tools such as SEM and mass spectrometry, as well as wastewater engineering. What you will do • Carrying out research, publishing scientific papers, communicating the results at conferences, and taking courses relevant to the PhD education. • Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing  • Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (länk till specifik graduate school Graduate schools | Chalmers ) (Graduate Schools at ACE | Chalmers) • The position typically also includes teaching and/or supervision of master student, or performing other duties corresponding to up to 20 percent of the working hours Contract terms   • The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from the start.  • The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.  • A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).  • Doctoral studies require the physical presence of the student throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date of the study; otherwise, admission may be withdrawn.  What we offer  • As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and are entitled to all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits for employees.  • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.  • Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare, etc, at Move To Gothenburg.    Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.   Application procedure  The application should be written in English and submitted as a PDF file, as below. The maximum file size is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support ZIP files.  CV  Personal letter  • A brief introduction about yourself.  • A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.  Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.  Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.   Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and those submitted via email will not be considered for review. Contact details for references will be requested after the interview.  We welcome your application no later than 15 January 2026 For questions, please contact:   Britt-Marie Wilén Professor [email protected]; mobile: +46(0) 723876419   *** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***