University:
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Country:
Netherlands
Deadline:
2025-09-21
Fields:
Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental SciencesAre you passionate about tackling climate change and eager to contribute to innovative solutions in environmental engineering? Do you aspire to develop impactful research that addresses one of the world’s most pressing greenhouse gas challenges?Reducing nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from wastewater treatment plants is a critical step in mitigating climate change, and TU Delft is offering an exciting PhD opportunity at the forefront of this field. This position provides the chance to blend computational modelling, laboratory experimentation, and real-world application in collaboration with leading industry and academic partners.
About The University Or Research Institute
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), located in the Netherlands, is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in science, engineering, and design. With a legacy rooted in the creation of the Dutch waterworks and advancements in biotechnology, TU Delft stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. The university is renowned for addressing global challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health, and the digital society. Its vibrant academic environment brings together entrepreneurial problem-solvers and fosters collaboration between academia and industry, making it an ideal setting for impactful research.
Research Topic and Significance
The focus of this PhD project is the development of a control strategy to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). N₂O is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 300 times greater than carbon dioxide (CO₂), making its reduction a high priority in the fight against climate change. Wastewater treatment plants are significant sources of N₂O emissions, and effective control strategies are urgently needed to minimize their environmental impact. By combining computational modelling, laboratory experiments, and recent microbiological insights, this research aims to translate academic findings into practical mitigation strategies that can be implemented at full scale—directly contributing to global sustainability goals.
Also See
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- PhD Position in Hydrological and Water Resource Modelling in the Himalayan Region of Ladakh at NTNU
- Postdoctoral Research in Photocatalytic Water Treatment at TU Berlin
- PhD in Systems Engineering for Sustainable Energy in Manufacturing at TU Delft
Project Details
This PhD project is a collaborative effort between TU Delft, Haskoning, and several Dutch Water Authorities. The research will be evenly split between computational modelling and laboratory experiments, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding and controlling N₂O emissions. The candidate will develop and validate a hybrid mechanistic and data-driven N₂O control algorithm, identify key variables for optimized full-scale implementation, and work closely with project partners. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to scientific publications and presentations, ensuring that the findings have a broad impact both within the academic community and in industry.The application should be addressed to Mario Pronk and Michele Laureni, who are the primary contacts for this position.
Candidate Profile
Ideal Applicants For This PhD Position Will Possess
– A Master’s degree in environmental biotechnology, microbiology, environmental or chemical engineering, or a closely related field.– A strong affinity for the control of biological processes.– Excellent communication and teamwork skills.– The ability to start the position between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.For candidates whose mother tongue is not English and who do not hold a degree from an English-instruction institution, proof of English proficiency is required. Acceptable certificates are TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0), and certificates must not be older than two years.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply no later than 21 September 2025 via the official TU Delft application portal:https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Position-in-N2O-Emissions-Control-from-Wastewater-Treatment-Plants-2628-CD/825776102/
The Application Should Include
– Curriculum Vitae (CV)– Motivational letter– Contacts of three referencesApplications should be addressed to Mario Pronk and Michele Laureni.For more information about the vacancy or selection procedure, please contact:– Mario Pronk: m.pronk[at]tudelft[dot]nl– Michele Laureni: m.laureni[at]tudelft[dot]nl
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity for motivated candidates to make a tangible impact on climate change mitigation through cutting-edge research at one of Europe’s leading technical universities. If you are driven to address environmental challenges and eager to work in a collaborative, innovative setting, we encourage you to apply for this prestigious PhD position at TU Delft. For more opportunities in environmental engineering and related fields, follow our updates below.Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:https://phdfinder.com/phd_admission_chance_calculator/
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