PFAS are among the most challenging contaminants facing drinking water utilities worldwide. Although granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely applied for PFAS removal, utilities face challenges with rapid PFAS breakthrough and as a consequence more frequent re-activation of activated carbon filters. The factors controlling breakthrough under realistic drinking water conditions remain insufficiently understood, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in the water matrix.
As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how water composition, natural organic matter, and activated carbon properties influence PFAS removal in drinking water treatment. You will combine laboratory experiments, column studies, and data analysis to identify the factors governing PFAS breakthrough at environmentally relevant conditions and concentrations.
Working closely with drinking water company Evides, you will study PFAS adsorption in realistic drinking water matrices and evaluate how differences in NOM composition affect filter performance. The insights obtained in this project will support the development of improved operational strategies for activated carbon filtration and help drinking water utilities better predict and manage PFAS breakthrough in practice.
Your duties and responsibilities include:
- investigating the mechanisms governing competitive adsorption of PFAS and natural organic matter on granular activated carbon;
- designing and conducting batch and column experiments at environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations;
- analysing experimental data and developing predictive tools for activated carbon filter performance;
- identifying key water quality parameters that can serve as indicators for PFAS breakthrough;
- publishing your results in international scientific journals and presenting your work at conferences.
You will work here
The research is embedded within the Chair Group of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research. The Environmental Technology group develops scientific understanding and technologies for sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, and environmental protection.
You will be part of the Electrified Interfaces team, a research group studying transport, adsorption, reactions, and selectivity at environmental interfaces. Within this team, you will contribute to research on adsorption and separation processes for water treatment and environmental applications. The team is led by dr. Jouke E. Dykstra.
The project is carried out in close collaboration with Evides, one of the largest drinking water companies in the Netherlands, providing unique opportunities to connect fundamental research with real-world drinking water challenges.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir. A. van der Wal and co-supervised by Dr. Ir. Jouke Dykstra.
Requirements
You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher who enjoys working on complex scientific challenges. You combine analytical thinking with creativity and have a strong interest in understanding fundamental processes at interfaces.
You also possess:
- a successfully completed MSc degree in Environmental Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field;
- affinity with adsorption processes, water treatment, colloid and interface science, or environmental chemistry;
- experience with laboratory research and experimental design;
- strong analytical and quantitative skills, with interest in data analysis and modelling;
- excellent communication skills and a strong motivation to publish scientific research.
For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.
Conditions of employment
Fixed-term contract: 18 months.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.
Employer
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
Additional information
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Join us and come work at WUR
At Wageningen University & Research, you work at improving the quality of life. Together with your colleagues, you seek to answer the challenges within our domain 'healthy food and living environment.'