PhD student in Wastewater Engineering/Biotech/Data analysis - methane

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB; Västra Götalands län; On-site; SEK 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB söker en motiverad och nyfiken PhD-student inom avloppsrening, med fokus på forskningsutveckling och utbildning. Denna full-time position inom ett dynamiskt forskningsmiljö erbjuder möjlighet att delta i undervisning och driva banbrytande forskning kring mikroorganismer som oxiderar metan.

Benefits

Helt finansierad PhD-position

Anställningsförmåner som anställd

Inspirerande arbetsmiljö i Göteborg

Qualifications

• Masterexamen i ett relevant område krävs.
• Starka skriv- och kommunikationsfärdigheter på engelska.
• Erfarenhet av att driva bioreaktorer och molekylärbiologi är meriterande.

Responsibilities

• Genomföra forskning inom doktorandprojektet (>80%).
• Publicera vetenskapliga artiklar och presentera vid konferenser.
• Delta i undervisning och andra uppgifter (<20%).

Skills

Kommunikation

Dataanalys

Molekylärbiologitekniker

Education

MSc i Miljöteknik, Kemiingenjör, Civilingenjör, Bioteknik

Tools

Statistikprogram

Bioreaktorer

Job description

PhD student in Wastewater Engineering/Biotech/Data analysis - methane

Arbetsbeskrivning

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated, independent, and curious PhD student. Are you interested in the biological processes within wastewater infrastructure? Do you enjoy both laboratory work and data analysis? Then this position may be right for you.

While the focus will be on your research and personal development as a researcher, the position also provides opportunities to participate in teaching and engage with students at both undergraduate and master levels.

The project centers on microorganisms that oxidize methane and reduce emissions of this potent greenhouse gas from wastewater systems.

Research environment

The project is based at the Division of Water Environment Technology (WET), within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering. You will be part of the Wastewater Management and Environmental Biotechnology research group.

You will be supervised by three senior researchers and work alongside other PhD students and postdocs in the group. Our interdisciplinary research spans microbial ecology theory to process engineering, and includes the development of new biotechnological processes.

Examples of previous research areas include:

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

Many of our projects are conducted in collaboration with municipalities, R&D companies, and consultants.

Project overview

In this PhD project, you will investigate microbial communities involved in methane oxidation within wastewater infrastructure (e.g., sewers and treatment plants). Your work will include:

• Field sampling
• Laboratory experiments assessing the activity of mixed microbial cultures
• Chemical measurements
• Molecular biology techniques (e.g., metagenomics) to study microbial communities and their function
• Data analysis

Main responsibilities

• Conduct research within the PhD project (>80%)
• Publish scientific articles and present at conferences
• Contribute to departmental teaching or other duties (<20%)
• Complete coursework relevant to the PhD program

Your profile

Required qualifications

• MSc degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field (Candidates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree from outside Sweden are also eligible)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

Additional merits

• Experience in: Operating bioreactors, Molecular biology techniques, Data analysis, statistics, or programming, Background in wastewater engineering

Contract terms

The position is full-time for 4 years, with the possibility of extension up to 5 years if you take on departmental teaching responsibilities.

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.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (from May 25, 2025).
• Chalmers promotes gender equality and actively works on equality projects.

How to apply

The application should be written in English and include:

• CV: (name the file: CV, Family name)
• Personal letter: (name the file: Personal letter, Family name) - introducing yourself, describing relevant experience, and future goals
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis
• Transcripts and certificates of completed education

Application deadline: 25 August, 2025

For questions, contact: Associate professor Oskar Modin at [e-mail], [phone]