25/11/2022 10:15 PhD Positions Sandec / Process Engineering

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an

internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss
Federal Institutes of Technology). Eawag conducts research, education and expert
consulting to achieve the dual goals of meeting direct human needs for water and
maintaining the function and integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

The departments Sandec and Process Engineering are seeking highly motivated
and qualified individuals for two PhD Positions, starting in 2023

PhD Positions Sandec / Process

Engineering
1. roles of spatial zones of microbial activity in stabilization processes occurring
during storage within onsite containment of faecal sludge, and
2. how properties of faecal sludge arriving at treatment facilities control dewatering
performance and downstream biological treatment.

Project Summary: Globally, it is estimated that three billion people are served by
onsite sanitation, and in low-income countries entire urban areas are not served by
sewers. Methods for the safe management of faecal sludge from onsite sanitation
are desperately needed, as it is mostly discharged untreated in the urban
environment, placing a huge burden on public and environmental health. In situ
knowledge of biological processes occurring during storage within onsite
containment of faecal sludge are scarce, and the currently accepted conceptual
model of stabilization processes with time do not hold up to scientific investigation.
We expect that processes during storage are dependent on spatially distributed
zones, with interrelated dependencies of substrate quality, redox conditions and
metabolic pathways of microbial activity. This will be evaluated through in situ
sampling to investigate redox conditions, organic fractions and microbial
communities, followed by replication in laboratory reactors. We also anticipate that
properties of aggregates and bulk solution that arrive at treatment facilities will
dictate dewatering performance, and that relevant properties can be predicted based
on level of stabilization. However, based on the current conceptual model this
relationship is not understood, and there is no agreed definition of stabilization.
Fundamental knowledge will be evaluated and developed with sampling of faecal
sludge at treatment facilities to investigate properties of aggregates, bulk solutions,
dewatering, level of stabilization and resulting fractions in supernatant, followed by
exploring treatment configurations with laboratory reactors. Ultimately, the goal of
both students is to translate this fundamental understanding into improved
management of faecal sludge with community level solutions by linking with ongoing
field research (e.g. Zambia, Uganda, Lebanon). The PhD positions are part of a
research project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF).

Responsibilities

Experimental design, laboratory skills and data management

Manage budget, operational and financial reports
Interact with stakeholders
Write scientific publications, reports, policy briefs, and guidelines

Requirements

A Masters of Science degree in sanitary / environmental engineering, with

strong understanding of applied microbiology and process engineering
Experience with sanitation and non-sewered sanitation, also beneficial,
experience in faecal sludge management in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, or
Latin America
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Willingness to travel
Experience with data analysis (e.g. knowledge of R or Python software)
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English

https://apply.refline.ch/673277/0980/pub/1/index.html 1/2
25/11/2022 10:15 PhD Positions Sandec / Process Engineering
Eawag offers a unique research and working environment and is committed to
promoting equal opportunities for women and men and to support the compatibility
of family and work. Applications from women are especially welcome. For more
information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and
www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment.

The duration of this position at Sandec/Eawag in Dübendorf is four years. Formal

evaluation of the applications will begin on 27 December 2022. The search will
continue until the position is filled. Your application should include: a 2-page letter of
motivation that includes relevant academic and professional experience, motivation
for joining a PhD program, research interest in the specific topic, and envisioned
impacts for sustainable sanitation; a complete CV including contact information of
three references; and copy of degree including transcript of academic records.
Copies of prior publications or theses will also be considered.

For enquiries please contact Dr. Linda Strande.

We look forward to receive your application through this webpage. Any other
way of applying will not be considered. Please click on the button below, this will
take you directly to the application form.

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Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology

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