The Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme (in Lahti) of the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences invites applications for a
TWO DOCTORAL RESEARCHER POSITIONS in
EXTRACTING VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS FROM WASTE
Two doctoral researcher positions are available in the European Union Horizon project Circular Systemic Solutions for Plastic, Pakaging, Bio-Waste and Water (CircSyst) for 2.5 years.
Organic waste materials and wastewater from the forest industry, agriculture, sewage sludge, and source-separated biowaste are difficult to utilize as a carbon source for bioreactors due to their poor biodegradability. One possibility for lignocellulose, cellulose and lignin degradation is mixed bacterial cultures, and the aim of this project is to further develop bacterial degradation of these difficult-to-digest materials. The degradation products (volatile fatty acids) will be used as a carbon source for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). They are bacterial stoage lipids used as a raw material for biodegradable/compostable plastic products to replace fossil carbon sources. Chemical and molecular methods are in use to determine PHA, microbial communities and, if necessary, microbial metabolism. The successful candidate will develop bioreactors up to pilot scale.
Phosphorus and nitrogen deficiency in fertilizer production is one of the greatest global threats. Large quantities of phosphorus and ammonia are lost in wastewater treatment, and in this project the aim is to develop recovery of these substances for fertilizer manufacturing. As phosphorus is precipitated in wastewater treatment with ferrous sulfate, the main challenge is to dissolve the phosphorus for recovery e.g. in the form of struvite, while ferrous sulfate is recycled. Achieving the project objectives requires knowledge of phosphorus, ammonia, iron and sulphur methodologier that can be applied in successful chemical recycling and recovery in wastewater treatment upto a small pilot scale. The ultimate goal is to integrate the above functions into existing processes.
Requirements for the doctoral researcher in lignocellulose hydrolysis are:
- M.Sc. degree in environmental sciences, microbiology or biotechnology
- Knowledge of laboratory practices in chemistry, microbiology and/or molecular methods, including aseptic working practices
- Knowledge of waste treatment, recycling, and related processes would be an advantage
- Strong motivation to complete a Ph.D. degree.
Requirements for the doctoral researcher for P and NH4 recovery, and FeSO4 recycling are:
- M.Sc. degree in environmental sciences or chemistry
- Knowledge on laboratory practices especially in chemistry
- Knowledge of waste treatment, recycling, and related processes would be an advantage
- Strong motivation to complete a Ph.D. degree
The salary for 2.5 years (1.1.2025-30.6.2027/upon agreement, 6 months probation period) is based on levels 2-4 of the job requirement scheme for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. The appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal work performance. Funding for writing a thesis will be applied from the foundations in the field of environmental sciences.
In your application (preferable in a single pdf-file), please, include:
1) A CV (with possible publications included),
2) A copy of your completed courses during the M.Sc,
3) Contact details of two references (e.g. M.Sc. thesis supervisors),
4) A letter (max 1 page) with a description of your researcher interests, motivation and why you would be a suitable candidate for the project.
To apply, please submit your application by December 20, 2024 using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/open-positions/doctoral-student-the-ecosystems-and-environment-research-programme. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal.
For more information, please contact Ph.D. Merja Kontro, merja.kontro(at)helsinki.fi.
In case you need technical support with the recruitment system, please contact recruitment(at)helsinki.fi.