PhD scholarship on the Sorption, Leaching and Persistence of Organic Pollutants Released from Biochar - DTU Sustain

Skip to main content.

• Profile
• Sign Out

View More Jobs
PhD scholarship on the Sorption, Leaching and Persistence of Organic Pollutants Released from Biochar - DTU Sustain
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Job Description

Biochar is a carbon-rich material that is made through a thermochemical conversion process known as pyrolysis. The feed material for the pyrolysis is typically plant material but can also be sludge from Wastewater Treatment Plants or the digestate from Biogas Plants. There are many uses for biochar including soil amendment, water treatment, and carbon sequestration. This PhD project focuses on the presence, desorption and persistence of organic pollutants in biochars. If you want to contribute to safe environmental applications of biochars then DTU Sustain offers you the opportunity to conduct an interesting and challenging environmental chemistry research project.

Biochars can contain different organic chemicals that either originate from the feedstock or the pyrolysis process, and biochars can thus potentially be contaminant sources when applied and spread in the environment. On the other hand, the pyrolytic process can remove organic chemicals, enhance the sorptive properties of the carbon matrix and consequently reduce the leaching of organic chemicals relative to the feed material. Biochars are increasingly employed as sorbents for removing chemicals from water, soils and sediments, where they then act as a contaminant sink rather than as a contaminant source. It is well known that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be formed during the pyrolysis process, and there has been a considerable amount of biochar research on the PAH content, sorption, release and exposure. This PhD project will address (1) the removal/formation of more organic pollutants during the pyrolytic conversion, (2) the effect of the pyrolytic conversion on the KD values that govern the soil to water distribution and thus leaching and (3) the biodegradability and persistence of those organic contaminants that are present in biochar and potentially can leach. Advanced analytical methods will be applied for the targeted and non-targeted analysis of polar and non-polar organic pollutants.

We seek a curious and independent PhD candidate willing to work on the “Sorption, Leaching and Persistence of Organic Pollutants Released from Biochar”. This 3-year PhD scholarship is part of the larger collaborative research project “Investigation of environmental issues related to the production and use of biochar” between DTU Chemical Engineering (Lead), DTU Sustain, Aarhus University and Roskilde University, which is funded by the Danish EPA. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The PhD project's overall objectives are (1) to determine the pyrolytic removal/formation of organic pollutants, (2) their distribution between biochar and water and (3) their environmental persistence. 

To achieve this, you will:

• Conduct collaborative research with experts on pyrolytic conversion.  
• Perform dedicated sorption and biodegradation experiments. 
• Apply advanced analytical methods that are carefully aligned to the experiments.
• Conduct a comprehensive data analysis and disseminate your results.

Research activities will mainly be carried out at DTU Sustain and we envision a research stay at a leading European research institute within this research area. The project will be supervised by Professor Philipp Mayer (DTU Sustain), and co-supervised by Senior Scientist Heidi Birch (DTU Sustain) and Scientist Giulia Ravenni (DTU Chemical Engineering)

As a PhD student at DTU, you will be involved in teaching activities and co-supervise BSc and MSc student projects related to your PhD project. You will also disseminate the results of your project at national and international conferences and interact with research groups at the forefront of international persistence research.

You are expected to have significant background and interest in Environmental Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Microbiology and/or the Environmental Assessment of Chemicals (Risk Assessment, PBT/PMT assessments, REACH). 

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. You must be proficient in English, and preferably also in Danish. We seek applicants who have demonstrated their ability to work both independently and in teams, and who have successfully navigated the challenges posed by working across different cultures and working environments.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please consult  DTU's rules for the PhD education .

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Philipp Mayer ([email protected])

You can read more about The Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering at https://sustain.dtu.dk/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 8 March 2024 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Your short reflection, summary, concerns or input about the current project (maximum 1 A4 page) 

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain) is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research, development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to society.  We are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, methods and solutions, and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of engineers. The Department has approximately 300 staff members from more than 30 nationalities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Apply Now
Job Info

• Job Identification 3236
• Job Category Phd
• Posting Date 02/23/2024, 03:22 AM
• Apply Before 03/08/2024, 05:59 PM
• Locations Bygningstorvet, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK

Similar Jobs

Page PhD scholarship on the Sorption, Leaching and Persistence of Organic Pollutants Released from Biochar - DTU Sustain - DTU Career Site Careers loaded

Skip to main content.
American English Dansk American English

I am an employee
 
Skip to main content.
Are You Still With Us?
It seems you've been gone for a while. For security reasons we will end your session automatically in 03:00 unless you would like to continue working.
End Session Continue Working
 
Skip to main content.
Work Summary

This summary is generated by AI Assist. Click inside the summary text box to make changes as necessary.

Discard Add Summary