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.
The department of Process Engineering (Eng) invites applications for a
Postdoctoral Researcher on modelling and mitigation of N2O formation in biological wastewater treatment (m/f/d)
Project background: This postdoctoral position is part of SCENE (Swiss Center of Excellence on Net-Zero Emissions), a joint initiative in the strategic area Energy, Climate and Sustainable Environment of the ETH Domain (ETHZ, EPFL, Eawag, Empa, PSI, and WSL). SCENE covers a broad range of research areas related to net-zero emissions as an inter-institutional collaboration framework. The open position is embedded in this overall consortium and specifically located in a sub-project focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment.
Job description: Recent research reveals that the potent GHG and ozone depleting substance nitrous oxide (N2O) dominates GHG emissions from biological wastewater treatment. The development of effective operational strategies to reduce or avoid N2O generation requires detailed process knowledge. Mathematical modelling of N2O formation is an excellent way to formulate, foster, and test our process understanding as well as pre-evaluating N2O reduction measures.
The tasks of this postdoctoral position will comprise:
- Advanced data analysis (including the use of data mining techniques) of previous N2O measurement campaigns
- Model development (machine learning, mechanistic or hybrid modelling) for quantitative prediction of N2O emissions from biological wastewater treatment; For this, a collaboration with a fellow-postdoctoral researcher at Empa is envisaged in order to take N2O isotope analysis into account
- Evaluation of different N2O mitigation strategies with the model to support the design of pilot experiments and/or full-scale tests
- Estimation of future long-term GHG emission trajectories related to wastewater at Swiss national scale
The successful and highly motivated candidate holds a PhD in environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, or similar. Modelling experience with mechanistic or data-driven approaches (or both), including programming skills (e.g. Python, Julia, Matlab, R) is a must. Furthermore, the candidate will be familiar with system modelling in general as well as with basic concepts of process engineering. Specific process knowledge in wastewater treatment is highly desirable. Experience with efficiently managing large datasets is beneficial as is an interest in pilot-scale testing. Furthermore, we appreciate excellent spoken/written English, good organizational skills, and an independent working style.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications received by 30 April 2023 are guaranteed full consideration. Applications after this date will be considered until the position is filled. The application must include a cover letter explaining your motivation for the positon, a CV, at least two letters of reference (or contact information for references), diplomas and transcripts. The start date will be defined by mutual agreement (spring/summer 2023) and the period of appointment is 24 months.
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent interdisciplinary 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.
For further information, please contact Dr Andreas Frömelt.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
