Junior researcher in sustainable water treatment technologies

The Department of Separation Science  at the LUT School of Engineering Science is looking for a junior researcher in sustainable water treatment technologies using novel bio- and nano-materials. The junior researcher will conduct doctoral studies and research at the Mikkeli campus, in the Water Treatment and Algal Biotechnology research group led by Professor Amit Bhatnagar.

The research group focuses on the synthesis, functionalisation, characterisation and application of bio- and nano-materials for (waste)water treatment and resource recovery. We specialise in adsorption, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and integrated/hybrid processes for (waste)water purification.

The successful applicant will work on the synthesis and characterisation of novel bio-nanomaterials and their subsequent applications for water and wastewater treatment with a special emphasis on resource recovery. The main technologies to be studied include but are not limited to adsorption, AOPs and integrated/hybrid processes. The research will be interdisciplinary, involving analytical chemistry, materials research, wastewater remediation technologies and environmental science and engineering to provide industrially relevant solutions for wastewater treatment. Suitable candidates are willing and demonstrably able to conduct field and laboratory experiments and learn analytical characterisation techniques. Prior knowledge of materials synthesis and/or AOPs is desirable. Applicants must have strong communication skills with excellent English skills – both written and spoken. The ability to think independently and an interest towards quantitative research approaches will be prioritised.

Applicants must have a higher university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. material science or engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science and engineering, or other closely related fields) and the ability to complete the doctoral degree within the normative duration of the studies for the degree (four years). The junior researcher will be expected to prepare a postgraduate study and research plan together with his/her supervisor and obtain the doctoral study right within one year of the start of the employment relationship. The junior researcher is expected to work in close collaboration with other team members and other research groups at LUT University and internationally. Our research group is well-connected internationally; the hired junior researcher will have a chance to present his/her research findings at national and international conferences, and research visits abroad may be discussed.

The employment relationship will start with a one-year term, which can be extended for another three years provided that the studies have progressed as expected.

The salary is based on the current collective agreement for Finnish universities. The work will start in March 2021 (negotiable) with a six-month trial period. 

Please fill out the online application form and attach the following:

• Your CV
• A motivation letter including your own views regarding (waste)water treatment and resource recovery using novel bio- and nanomaterials
• A copy of your academic degree certificate and transcript of records. If the original documents are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into English or Finnish.

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2021 at midnight Finnish local time (UTC +2 h). Please submit your application together with the required attachments through the university's online application system.

For further information, please contact Professor Amit Bhatnagar, firstname.lastname@lut.fi .

Clean energy, water and air are life-giving resources for which we at LUT University seek new solutions with our expertise in technology and business. We help society and businesses in their sustainable renewal. Our international community consists of 6500 members. Our campuses are in Lappeenranta and Lahti, Finland.

Technical support for using the recruitment system: recruitment@lut.fi .