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 departments Sanitation, water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) and Process Engineering (Eng) are seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for a
2-year PostDoc or 4-year PhD Position in microbial stabilisation processes of wastwater (m/f/d)
This position is part of a research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and is developing and understanding Microbial stabilization processes of wastewater (fecal sludge) during storage in onsite containments, and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and downstream treatment. The position is available at Sandec, Eawag in DĂĽbendorf and will start as soon as filled.
Project Summary: Nearly half the world’s population is now served by non-sewered sanitation, and in low-income countries entire urban areas are not served by sewers. Methods for the safe management of wastewater from non-sewered sanitation are desperately needed, as it is mostly discharged untreated in the urban environment, placing a huge burden on public and environmental health. In situ knowledge of biological processes occurring during storage within onsite containment are scarce, and the currently accepted conceptual model of stabilization processes with time do not hold up to scientific investigation.
The aim of this research is to develop an understanding of processes that control properties of wastewater that accumulate during storage in containment. We expect that wastewater in containment is not mixed and has hetero-geneous regions of microbial activity, with interrelated dependencies of substrate quality, redox conditions and metabolic pathways of microbial activity. This will be evaluated through in situ sampling and laboratory analysis. The project aims to better understand properties of stored wastewater, in order to develop models of greenhouse gas emissions and reliable metrics of stabilization for wastewater arriving at treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to translate this fundamental understanding into improved management of community level solutions by linking with ongoing field research (e.g. Zambia, Uganda).
Responsibilities
- Experimental design, laboratory skills and data management
- Manage budget, operational and financial reports
- Interact with stakeholders
- Write scientific publications, reports, policy briefs, and guidelines
Requirements
- A Master’s or PhD in sanitary / environmental engineering, with strong understanding of applied microbiology and process engineering
- Experience with sanitation and non-sewered sanitation, also beneficial to have experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, or Latin America
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to travel
- Experience with data analysis (e.g. knowledge of R or Python software)
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English
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.
Screening of applicants will begin immediately. Applications should include a one-page cover letter describing the applicant’s motivation for this specific project, a complete resume and contact information for three references. Copies of prior publications or theses will also be considered.
For enquiries please contact Dr Linda Strande by email.
We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button below, this will take you directly to the application form.
