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.
For the “Pollutionkeeper” industrial research project with Photrack AG and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), with close ties to the Horizon 2020 Co-UDLabs project, we are looking for a
Research Assistant – Wastewater Process Monitoring and Control (80-100%)
Monitoring and controlling the wastewater treatment process ensures that it operates efficiently and effectively. By continuously monitoring key parameters, such as pollutant levels and nutrient concentrations, operators of wastewater treatment plants can make real-time adjustments to optimize treatment processes. This leads to better pollutant removal, reduced energy consumption, and overall cost-effectiveness of the treatment plant and better water quality of our rivers.
In the Pollutionkeeper project our primary objective is to create an advanced non-contact optical imaging device capable of swiftly and accurately measuring pollutant levels in the harsh wastewater conditions. This cutting-edge device will excel in precisely assessing various parameters, including total suspended solids, organics, such as DOC/COD, and nutrients like ammonium.
We are seeking an environmental engineer or environmental scientist who possesses expertise in waste-water pollution monitoring to assist in the advancement of the non-contact pollutant sensor. The research assistant will collect reliable reference data at selected Swiss wastewater treatment plants to evaluate the imaging platform and to suggest the necessary improvements. Also, we need support to develop suitable calibration procedures to adjust the imaging device to the local wastewater matrix. As a key member of our team, your role will be central to fostering effective communication between developers and end-users in the wastewater practice. Your dedication will be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation and seamless integration of this new sensor into Photrack AG’s monitoring portfolio.
Job description
The research assistant will be responsible for the novel sensor’s installation, calibration, and data pre-processing during a monitoring campaign involving three to four different sites. The data-driven modelling will mainly be carried out by CSEM. More specifically, the research assistant will perform:
- Data Collection and pre-processing: Monitor and collect real-time data from the non-contact sensor system in the influent of 3 to 4 wastewater treatment plant over several weeks. Collect reference data from traditional online sensors and laboratory analytical methods. Analyze the sensor data to accurately measure key wastewater parameters, such as turbidity, pH, ammonia, chemical oxygen demand equivalents and other relevant indicators and identify any deviations or anomalies. Use data analysis and visualization techniques to interpret sensor data effectively.
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Proactively identify and resolve any technical issues related to the monitoring setup. Work with the vendor or technical support teams to troubleshoot and maintain the sensors regularly. Ensure that the sensors remain in optimal working condition to provide reliable and accurate data.
- Sensor Integration and Calibration: Support the integration of the new sensor technology into the Photrack monitoring portfolio. Work closely with the partners to ensure seamless connectivity and proper installation of the sensors. Support the development of a calibration protocol to facilitate application in practice.
- Research and Innovation: Participate in research activities related to sensor applications and process optimization to drive continuous improvement, e.g. through assimilation of high-resolution population data in real-time or exploring reflectance or adsorption spectrometry of wastewater.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive records of sensor calibration, maintenance activities, and data analysis. Prepare regular reports on sensor performance, process optimization outcomes, and recommendations for improvements to the project team.
Your profile
- Master or Bachelor degree in disciplines such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Earth Science, or Environmental Science. Additionally, candidates with further education or specialization in Wastewater Process Monitoring and Control from universities of applied science are highly encouraged to apply.
- Experience with online wastewater quality monitoring, with sensors such as ion selective electrodes, absorbance spectroscopy and installation and troubleshooting of sensors at wastewater treatment plants. Experience with standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater.
- Experience in ensuring that the sensors are consistently maintained in optimal working condition to provide reliable and accurate data.
- Experience with data pre-processing analysis (e.g., Python, R), databases, version management (SQL, Git)
- Good integrative skills, and social and emotional intelligence. • Fluency in German and English is required.
What do we expect?
The candidate will interact with multiple industrial, research and government institutional collaborators, including leading international research technology centers in IoT and computer vision. The position requires close collaboration with partners at Swiss wastewater treatment plants, Photrack AG and CSEM. The candidate must be willing to work in a team environment. Depending on the education and experience, funding is available for 15-18 months, with the possibility of extension. Part-time work is possible. Project intended start date is flexible between September and November, dependent on the availability of the candidate.
Who are we?
Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experiences and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. We offer a very dynamic and collaborative research environment which profits from state-of-the-art infrastructure and support. 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.
How to apply?
We will evaluate applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. For further information, please contact Dr Jörg Rieckermann.
We look forward to receiving your application including a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and references, which we expect to obtain exclusively via our online application portal. Clicking on the button below will take you directly to the application form.
