Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Uppsala

PhD student position in aquatic geochemistry

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment (www.ma.slu.se) has a unique national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to both water chemistry and the aquatic biota. The mission of the department is to provide the knowledge about human impacts on aquatic ecosystems that society needs to achieve its environmental goals for surface waters. This mission involves the design and implementation of long-term surveillance programs across a range of spatial and temporal scales, studies of the chemical and ecological processes underlying environmental change, as well as the knowledge and tools needed to interpret environmental data and assess management alternatives.

Work description: There is great concern that climate induced increased runoff of organic matter from land are at odds with the capacity of conventional water treatment processes In a new research project we will test the limits of today's Al/Fe flocculation technique and study advanced oxidation techniques (AOT) to enhance NOM removal in drinking water treatment. The project will be in co-operation with the two drinking water producers in the Stockholm region, Stockholm Vatten AB and Norrvatten and is a part of the Centre of Excellence "The color of Water - interplay with climate, and effects on drinking water supply" (http://www.geo.uu.se/cow/index.html), which is a collaboration between researchers at Uppsala University (Limnology and Meteorology), SLU (Aquatic Sciences and Assessment) and Linköping University (The Department of Thematic Studies - Water and Environmental Studies).

Applicants: Applicants should hold a MSc degree in environmental engineering, water chemistry or soil sciences or equivalent. Documented knowledge in aquatic chemistry and drinking water treatment processes is meriting. As a substantial part of the experimental work will be based in the water treatment plant documented knowledge of any of the three Scandinavian languages is a prerequisite. Applications should include a letter of intent, a CV with publication list, relevant publications, relevant experience and your specific interest in the position. The position is full-time and will be granted for a period of four years, starting as soon as possible.