The Faculty of Science and Technology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3 year PhD or Postdoc –position related to Sustainable Zero Pollution Solutions for the Arctic (ArcSolution Project).
Are you passionate about environmental sustainability, circular economy, and solving real-world challenges in the Arctic? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge solutions that protect both human and ecosystem health in a rapidly changing world?
We invite applications for a PhD/Postdoc position as part of the Horizon Europe project:
“Arctic Pollution in a One Health Perspective – from Complex Challenges to Sustainable Solutions (ArcSolution)”
Main tasks
The candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary and international team and contribute to the advancement of sustainable technologies in waste/wastewater management in the arctic. The candidate is anticipated to undertake:
- Review of the scientific literature and state-of-the-art on (decentralized) treatment technologies for sludge and wastewater
- Designing, conducting and analyzing lab and pilot scale experiments
- Advanced statistical analysis and other data sciences techniques for the handling of the collected data
- Perform high-quality scientific research and publish at least 3 publications in internationally scientifically indexed journals
- Be a cooperative member of the project team and collaborate with other project partners and local stakeholders
- Contribute to supervision of Bachelor and Master level student projects in collaboration with other associated research groups at NMBU
- Present scientific results in internal research group meetings, project meetings and national/international conferences
The specific tasks of the position will be:
- Literature review on the existing data on state-of-the-art (decentralized) treatment technologies for sludge and wastewater
- Hands-on laboratory and on-site work on state-of-the-art (decentralized) treatment technologies for sludge and wastewater (a.o. Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Carbonization, Decentralized Anaerobic Digestion, Decentralized Electrochemical Treatment, Filtration)
- Using LCA as tool for evaluating and comparing the environmental impact of developed technological solutions.
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
The main purpose of the post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. A PhD degree is then required.
Competence
Required qualifications
- A Master’s /PhD degree or equivalent in Environmental Engineering, Chemical engineering, Environmental Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related fields. Foreign degrees must correspond with the admission criteria for the PhD program. Candidates submitting MSc thesis within 30 June 2025 may be considered.
- Hands-on experience in various wastewater treatment technologies and analysis of wastewaters
- Proficiency in both written and oral English in correspondence with the admission criteria for the PhD program.
- Personal suitability and motivation for the position
The following experiences and skills will be emphasized:
- The applicant’s estimated academic and personal ability to complete the project within the time frame
- The applicant’s ability to complete research training
- Special knowledge about/ interest in local arctic communities/ culture
The ideal candidate should have a solid academic background in environmental engineering, and specifically in wastewater treatment technologies, by having worked on related MSc/PhD projects or via undergraduate/graduate courses. Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may be given preference.
Personal qualities:
- Excellent communication skills (English required, Sami highly advantageous)
- Good social and collaborative skills
- Ability to work independently and motivated to work in an interdisciplinary team
- High motivation and team player skills
- Individuals with a strong drive to develop innovative and transformative technologies that benefit society are especially encouraged to apply.
- Willingness to travel to project partners and local stakeholders
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programme description.
