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
Research assistant position (60-80%) on biological wastewater treatment using densified activated sludge systems
Many wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Switzerland are reaching their maximum treatment/clarification capacities, often resulting in incomplete nitrogen removal (i.e., elevated ammonium and/or nitrite effluent concentrations) and increased greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore crucial to develop new technologies to upgrade those existing WWTP with minimal modifications of the treatment scheme.
Densified activated sludge (DAS) combines, in theory, the advantages of both activated sludge (AS) and aerobic granular sludge (AGS): improved settle ability and therefore higher biomass concentrations, high removal rates and excellent effluent quality, etc. DAS thus represents a promising advancement to both systems and therefore a relevant strategy for the retrofitting of existing WWTP. DAS has the potential to help facing future legal requirements for Swiss WWTP, such as high total nitrogen removal and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The main objective of the proposed research assistant position is to evaluate to what extent sludge densification can be achieved at the WWTP of Neugut (Canton ZH) and help improving nitrogen removal while minimizing green-house emissions in terms of N2O.
The proposed position is part of a research project between Eawag, Neugut WWTP, Hunziker Betatech and ARA Consult. The position is available in the Process Engineering department of Eawag and will start in June/July 2023. The duration of the position is one year.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications should include a cover letter describing the applicant’s motivations, a complete CV, and if possible, a list of lectures/corresponding.
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.
For further information on the Process Engineering department of Eawag, please visit the following website: www.eawag.ch/en/department/eng/
For specific information on the project, please contact Dr Nicolas Derlon
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.
