The Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University in the Netherlands is inviting applications for the 2 PhD Positions in Organic Geochemistry/Microbial Ecology in 2020.
Job description
In this Partnership Programme, the Dutch Research Council (NWO), domain Applied and Engineering Sciences, finances together with the drinking water companies Vitens and Dunea insightful and innovative research in the application of slow and fast sand filters in drinking water treatment.
This project at Utrecht University aims at elucidating the internal carbon cycling, the functioning of food webs, and the role of bioturbation in slow sand filters. The goal of the project is to relate detailed insight into the biological activity to the performance of slow sand filters in removing pathogenic microorganisms and detrital organic matter. By this, we aim to optimize the traditional operation of slow sand filters and to open avenues for innovative concepts in using sand filters
Worth of Award
- This is an appointment of 1.0 FTE for the duration of initially one year, with extension to four years in total upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period.
- The gross salary starts with €2,325 per month in the first year and increases to €2,972 per month in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities) for full-time employment.
- Besides that, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 %.
- Utrecht University also has an appealing package of terms of employment, including the choice for a good balance between work and private (a good arrangement for leave, among other things), possibilities for development and an excellent pension scheme.
- Facilities for sports and childcare are available on their main campus (where the Department of Earth Sciences is situated), which is located only 15 minutes away from the historical city center of Utrecht.
Eligibility
- They are seeking enthusiastic PhD candidates holding an MSc degree (at the start of the contract) in Biology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Environmental/Civil Engineering.
- Experience in organic geochemistry, isotope analysis, microbial ecology, or chemical laboratory work is helpful but not required.
- You are interested in performing fundamental, interdisciplinary research in an applied context.
- You are an excellent team player as this project requires close collaboration within other projects within the Sand Filtration call.
- You are expected to communicate scientific knowledge to stakeholders and you have excellent written and spoken English skills.
How to Apply
To apply,
- Please send your curriculum vitae,
- Including a letter of motivation via the ‘apply’ button on the website.
- They aim to start the positions on January 1st, 2020, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Deadline: Application closes November 25, 2019.