Doctoral student in Microbiome-based strategies to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from municipa[...]

Karlstad University; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 362,808 - 434,573; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Swedish language courses available

Inspiring working environment

Job summary

Karlstad University in Gothenburg is looking for a Doctoral student to join the research area of Water Quality and Resource Engineering. You will investigate nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater treatment processes, using your background in environmental engineering.

The position is fully funded for four years, with a dynamic working environment and assistance with settling in through language courses. Applications are open until August 10.

Qualifications

• Strong background in molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in bioprocess modelling for wastewater treatment.
• Laboratory experience setting up and running reactors.

Responsibilities

• Investigate microbial communities in wastewater treatment for N2O emissions.
• Conduct kinetic and community studies at lab-scale.
• Use modelling to predict emission patterns.

Skills

Written and verbal communication skills in English

Competence in wastewater treatment biotechnology

Education

Master's degree in Environmental Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Doctoral student in Microbiome-based strategies to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from municipal wastewater treatment

Our goal is to focus on competence, knowledge and collaboration in order to play an important, demonstrable role in social development.

Are you interested in developing wastewater treatment biotechnology for future efficient processes with low climate footprint? We are looking for a doctoral student to become part of our team in the research area Water Quality and Resource Engineering at the department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

About us

The Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering tackles contemporary and emerging challenges for the built and natural environment, ranging from resource utilisation, pollution and climate change to digitalisation and inequality. We combine expertise in architecture, civil engineering and related disciplines to build a better world.

In the research area Water Quality and Resource Engineering, within the division of Water Environment Technology, we develop methods and technologies to analyse, treat, and manage water quality, from contaminants to valuable resources. Microbial ecosystems, natural organic matter, water and wastewater treatment processes, and monitoring technologies for both natural and engineered environments are central themes of our research. The goal: circular resource use and protection of the environment and human health.

About the research project

Reactive nitrogen must be removed from wastewater to prevent eutrophication of aquatic environments. However, the microbial processes removing nitrogen also emit nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a powerful greenhouse gas. In this project, we address the mechanisms causing N2O emissions from wastewater treatment to propose strategies for mitigation. We will investigate the composition, activity, and N2O emission of the microbial communities in full‑scale wastewater treatment processes and in laboratory experiments, and use the knowledge gained for refined emission predictions using mechanistic and data‑driven modelling.

Who we are looking for

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master’s degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in Environmental Engineering, Applied Biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Competence in wastewater treatment biotechnology.

* For students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree is accepted.

Experience that will strengthen your application

• Experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g. metagenomics) and bioinformatics.
• Experience in bioprocess modelling for wastewater treatment.
• Laboratory experience of setting up and running reactors.
• Experience in chemical measuring techniques and sensor applications relevant for water treatment.

What you will do

• Use molecular biology techniques to investigate the composition and activity of the microbial communities in wastewater treatment plants in relation to long-term N2O emissions.
• Conduct kinetic and microbial community studies in lab‑scale to investigate critical factors for N2O emissions from activated sludge and biofilm.
• Use mechanistic and data‑driven modelling to predict emission patterns from activated sludge and biofilm.
• Develop broad knowledge in the discipline via participation in advanced‑level coursework, workshops and conferences, and by reading scientific literature.
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing.
• Assist in teaching at Chalmers’ undergraduate and graduate level, or perform other duties up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed‑term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1 , 2026).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Swedish courses are offered to help you settle in if Swedish is not your native language.
• Information about doctoral studies at Chalmers is available on the university website.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF files, with a maximum size of 40 MB per file. The system does not support ZIP files.

CV

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by e‑mail will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than August 10.