PhD student in Wastewater engineering/Biotechnology/Data analysis – micropollutants

This PhD student position offers a unique opportunity for a dedicated, curious, and independent person. You are interested in biological and chemical processes taking place in wastewater treatment. You enjoy combining experimental laboratory work with theoretical analysis and modelling. While your main focus will be the research project and your own development as a researcher, the position also offers opportunities to participate in teaching and student interaction at both undergraduate and master's level.

The project focuses on organic micropollutant removal from wastewater in biological activated carbon filters using advanced analytical techniques.

Project overview

In this PhD project, you will analyse the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewater in biological activated carbon filters.

Wastewater treatment plants are significant sources of OMPs in the environment. Granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption has emerged as a key removal process. In addition to adsorption, biodegradation by the biofilm that develops on the granule surfaces plays an important role—sometimes enhancing, sometimes impairing the removal efficiency.

Despite the importance of the combined effect of adsorption and biodegradation, little is currently known about their interaction. This project aims to fill that knowledge gap by:

• Operating laboratory-scale GAC filters
• Sampling from full-scale filters
• Assessing how dissolved organic matter and microbial community composition affect OMP removal
• Investigating the spatial localization of OMPs and their transformation products within biofilm and GAC matrix
• Analysing biofilm structure and microbial communities

Additionally, you will develop a mathematical model that includes both adsorption and biodegradation mechanisms. This model will be calibrated using pilot-scale GAC filter data to aid in system understanding, design, and optimisation.

Main responsibilities

• Conduct research within the PhD project (>80%)
• Publish scientific articles and present your work at international conferences
• Contribute to teaching or other departmental duties (<20%)
• Take PhD-level courses relevant to your field

Research environment

The project will be carried out at the Division of Water Environment Technology (WET), Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering

As a PhD student, you will be part of the research group in Wastewater Management and Environmental Biotechnology

Our research covers a range of topics—from microbial ecology theory to process engineering. We develop new treatment processes and investigate the fundamental science behind them. Examples of our research areas include:

• Anammox
• Fermentation
• Microbial electrochemistry
• Aerobic granular sludge
• Moving bed biofilm processes
• Micropollutant removal
• Recirculating aquaculture systems

Our projects often involve collaboration with municipalities, R&D companies, and consultants.

Your profile

We seek candidates with the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Biotechnology

Equivalent requirements apply for individuals with international degrees (e.g., a 4-year bachelor's degree)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Additional experience that will strengthen your application:

• Operating filters or reactors
• Molecular biology techniques
• Programming, data analysis, and statistics
• Mathematical modelling
• Wastewater engineering

Contract terms

The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.

Please note: Physical presence is required throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise, admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• The PhD position is fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers benefits
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here

How to apply
The application should be written in English and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates.

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 applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline:  25 August, 2025

For questions, please contact:

Professor Britt-Marie Wilén
britt-marie.wilen@chalmers.se+46 31 772 2153

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=14093&rmlang=UK