Fully funded doctoral researcher (PhD student)/project researcher position in wastewater treatment...

The Photosynthetic Microbes research group based in the Department of Life Technologies of the University of Turku is looking for a talented and motivated doctoral student to join our international and dynamic team. The University of Turku is Finland’s second largest multidisciplinary university, with an active academic community of around 25 000 students and employees working within 7 faculties and 3 independent units. The Photosynthetic Microbes group is a part of a Nordic Centre of Excellence (NordAqua,

www.nordaqua.fi

) and is a partner in several EU, Nordic and national projects. The team focuses on both fundamental aspects of photosynthesis, and also applied photosynthesis, studying water remediation, biofuels and chemical production from cyanobacteria and microalgae. You can learn more about us here:

www.utu.fi/photo-microbes

, Tweeter: @PhotoMicrobes. 

Project description

Using algae in wastewater treatment provides a sustainable clean solution while also adding value to the wastewater treatment process by biomass production and nutrient recovery. The goal of this four-year project, funded by EU Horizon Europe Innovation Action program, is to develop a pilot-scale wastewater treatment for agricultural drain water and nutrient recovery. The applicant will (i) screen different strains to identify promising algae and cyanobacteria for maximal nutrient uptake and biomass accumulation; (ii) operate a pilot-scale algae cultivation in PBR; (iii) characterize the produced algal biomass for valorization. The applicant will work in close collaboration with the consortium partners from several EU countries.

Competences needed

The applicant should hold a MSc in one of the following subjects: environmental science, chemical/environmental engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry or related fields. Prior experience in algal research, wastewater treatment, analytical and extraction techniques will be an advantage. 

A demonstrated knowledge of written and spoken English is required. 

The position is available from 01.08.2022 (starting date can be negotiated). There will be a trial period of 6 months for this position. 

Requirements

A person selected for the post of Doctoral candidate/Project researcher is required to have a higher university degree (MSc or MSc tech degree). The degree must be completed by the end of the application period. If the selected person already has a right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, (s)he must also have an accepted research plan. In addition, when acquiring his or her degree or otherwise, he or she is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan. If the person does not have a right to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Turku, (s)he must apply the right from the University of Turku graduate school in Fall 2022. 022. 

NOTE, for doctoral candidate positions, when applying to the University of Turku graduate school, you must have good English language skills and a certificate that proves those skills. See the list of accepted International English language tests here. 

Please submit your application using the online application system by 31 July 2022 at the latest. 

The successful applicant will belong to UTU research personnel. The salary is determined by the collective agreement system of Finnish universities. Salaried positions in Finland automatically include payments to a pension fund, unemployment funds, a good occupational healthcare and even a holiday allowance. 

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva, allahve(at)utu.fi. 

For practical matters concerning the application process please contact biocityhrservices(at)utu.fi.