PhD Student in Waste Science and Technology – Advancing electrochemical oxidation technique for complete PFAS degradation

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 students. In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.The research group of Waste Science & Technology is seeking a PhD student to contribute to the development of innovative methods and shape the future of waste management.

Waste Science & Technology is a part of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, which is an institution with many successful research groups and recognised training programs. Waste Science & Technology at LTU is ranked among the top ten research groups worldwide in the field.

Subject description
Waste Science and Technology incorporates all stages of society’s waste management – generation, collection, treatment and disposal of waste, including reuse and recycling. The research aims at the development of tools and processes that facilitate sustainable waste management.

Project description
This project will focus on advancing electrochemical oxidation method to achieve a complete degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waste streams. Electrochemical oxidation is a technology that utilizes an electric current through electrodes to generate reactive species capable of effectively breaking down and degrading PFAS molecules. Degradation mechanism of PFAS is highly complex and not fully understood yet, leading to a fluorine mass imbalance after treatment. This necessitates a thorough assessment of the process and selection of suitable electrode materials to achieve the effective and complete PFAS degradation through electrochemical oxidation.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). Funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, WISE is the largest investment in materials science ever in Sweden, encompassing major initiatives at Sweden’s leading universities over the next 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more about WISE.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. The PhD student will follow an individual study plan. Depending on previous knowledge, the education program is complemented with courses and training of practical skills. Administration and/or lecturing corresponding to max 20% of full time may be added.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a Master of Science degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences (environmental engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, etc.) or equivalent (according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 7 39 §), and very good skills in oral and written communication in English. Advanced knowledge of electrochemical processes, modeling and statistics is an advantage, but is not required.

For further information about a specific subject see;
* General curricula for the Board of the faculty of science and technology

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå, Sweden. Starting upon agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact
Jurate Kumpiene, Professor, (+46)920-493020, jurate.kumpiene@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer,(+46 )920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk,(+46 )920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Last day of application: 10 January 2025
Reference number: 4414-2024