PhD: PFAS remediation on site: transport phenomena & immobilization

  • Utrecht
  • € 2.770-3.539 per maand
  • Vast
  • Voltijds
  • 17 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionPFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)* are everywhere: in our soil, water, food and body. Worldwide, all countries are affected with soils being contaminated with PFAS. Yet, there are no sustainable methods for remediation. Utrecht University adopted its own safety training facility, a PFAS contaminated site at the Utrecht Science Park, as a subject to research: the PFAS Remediation Living Lab.Your job
is created for sustainable development of PFAS soil and groundwater remediation with a particular application to the PFAS contaminated field at Utrecht University. It brings together researchers and students from the faculties of Geosciences and Sciences, the UU Facility Service Centre and Utrecht Municipality. The living lab is created in cooperation with and is supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.This research will run for four years and includes three PhD positions of which this is one position. Each PhD researcher will work on its own line of research but will collaborate with the other PhD researchers and stakeholders in the living lab. Would you like to contribute to developing sustainable solutions for removing and destroying PFAS substances, remediating this field?Project / position 2
In the Environmental Sciences section at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development we're seeking a motivated PhD candidate to contribute to sustainable PFAS remediation by
  • monitoring and characterizing flow and PFAS transport at the field site, including the development and testing of passive sampling methods for PFAS;
  • exploring the potential of natural attenuation of PFAS using compound-specific isotope analysis; and
  • design and execute a field pilot for PFAS remediation strategy, including PFAS flushing and immobilisation.
This position will be supervised by (UU), (UU and TNO).You are expected to publish the results in peer-reviewed papers. A personalised training programme will be set up, reflecting your training needs and career objectives. About 20% of your time will be dedicated to this training component, which includes training on the job in assisting in the Bachelor's and Master's programmes of the department at Utrecht University.*) PFAS, also referred to as “forever chemicals”, are man-made substances that are very difficult to break down. They are used in many products as they contain water, grease, and dirt repellent properties. PFAS are a health risk for animals, humankind and the environment.RequirementsSpecific RequirementsYou have the following interests and skills:
  • You have a Master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as environmental sciences, hydrology, engineering, soil sciences, or a related field by the time the positions starts (September 2024);
  • You have a demonstrable interest in quantitative methods including working with monitoring datasets;
  • You are experienced and you have an affinity for the design and implementation of fieldwork methods;
  • You have experience with programming languages such as Python, R or Matlab; you are interested in doing numerical modeling;
  • You are interested in doing cutting-edge policy-relevant scientific research;
  • You are able to work independently, but also within the interdisciplinary project team;
  • You have excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English;
  • You are proficient in Dutch or prepared to acquire Dutch language skills;
Additional InformationBenefitsWe offer:
  • a position, initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period.
  • a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
  • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
  • a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.
In addition to the laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating , leave schemes and schemes for , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit .Selection processAs Utrecht University, we want to be a for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.You can only apply via our online procedure using the 'apply now' button. E-mail applications cannot be accepted. Include the following information in your application:
  • a motivation letter explaining your interest and suitability for the position;
  • a full curriculum vitae (CV), including the grade for your Master's thesis and overall grade point average (or equivalent) of your Bachelor's and Master's degrees;
  • names and contact details of 2-3 people who can act as referees. No reference letters are required at this stage.
Please do not include photos or references to your gender, age or marital status in your applicationWe aim for a quick selection procedure after the application deadline of May 29, 2024. The position should start on September 1, 2024.Note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. This will be arranged with help of the of our university. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the .Online screening may be part of the selection. Commercial response to this ad is not appreciated.Additional commentsFor more information, please contact via .Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universiteit Utrecht Country Netherlands City Utrecht Postal Code 3584CB Street Princetonlaan 8aWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityUtrecht WebsiteStreetDomplein 29 Postal Code3512 JESTATUS: EXPIRED

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