PhD Student in Waste Science and Technology - From improved soil ecosystem functions to a clean bioenergy cycle

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. Today, we have 1,770 staff and 17,200 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The research group of Waste Science & Technology is looking for a PhD student who would help to develop new methods for and influence the future of waste management and soil remediation.

Waste Science & Technology is a part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, which is an institution with many successful research groups and recognised training programmes. Waste Science & Technology at Luleå University of Technology is ranked among the top ten research groups worldwide in the field. You will be a part of the graduate school within SUN , Natural resources for sustainability transitions, one of Luleå University of Technology’s future areas.

Subject description
Waste Science and Technology incorporates all stages of society’s waste management – generation, collection, treatment and disposal of waste, including reuse and recycling. The research is aimed at the development of tools and processes that facilitate sustainable waste management.

Project description
In this project, we will assess the potential of enhancing soil ecosystem services by phytoremediation strategies that are integrated into biomass production for energy supply systems. We will focus on one group of human-made organic substances with very slow degradation rates, so called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), namely, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The focus will be laid on production of safe biomass in soil with diffuse contamination as a part of a green economy cycle, at the same time as promoting soil ecosystem services with water filtration in particular. Institutional preconditions for biomass production at contaminated sites will be examined as well.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. You will follow an individual study plan and depending on previous knowledge, the education programme is complemented with courses and training of practical skills. The tasks also include participating in seminar activities and other forms of research exchange within the SUN Graduate School.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a Master of Science degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences (environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geochemistry, etc.) or equivalent, and very good skills in oral and written communication in English. Advanced knowledge of soil science, modeling and statistics, as well as knowledge of environmental law is an advantage, but is not required.

For further information about a specific subject see General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå, Sweden. Starting: January 1st , 2022.

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Jurate Kumpiene, +46-(0)920-493020,  [email protected]

Union representatives: SACO-S Kjell Johansson (+46)920-49 1529 [email protected]   OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Reference number: 3910-2021
Last day of application: November 30, 2021

URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=5159&rmlang=UK