Job opportunity:

PhD position at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences
Closing nutrient flows with algal technologies and the associated microbiological risks

Fully funded 4-year PhD position

Increasing urbanization, resource consumption, climate change, and the transition to a low-carbon society require greater urban and rural flexibility and more sustainable wastewater management, i.e., reuse of sources such as water, nutrients, biomass, and energy. Algal technologies, as one of the many nature-based solutions, are experiencing intense advances in wastewater treatment (e.g., contaminants of emerging concern, pathogens, multidrug-resistant bacteria, nutrients) and simultaneous resource recovery for agricultural use (algal biomass is considered an organic fertilizer because it contains micro- and macronutrients). This requires the development and scientific evaluation of the potential of algal technologies for water reuse and the production of organic fertilizers and biostimulants while reducing potential environmental and health risks. In this context, control of pathogens and multidrug-resistant bacteria is of extreme importance. The vertical and horizontal transfer of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance genes to the environment via wastewater is an increasingly pressing problem.

Closing material flows with algal technologies and the associated microbiological risks will be the rationale of the PhD student's work. The research is integrated with ongoing projects and a research group program. The PhD student's work will be held at the laboratory and pilot levels.

With the support of a mentor and co-mentor, the PhD student will:

• optimize algal biomass production (retention time, nutrient uptake from wastewater, addition of CO2, efficiency of wastewater treatment),
• test different methods of algae harvesting (electrocoagulation, flocculation, filtration),
• study the treatment efficiency of algal technologies in combination with advanced oxidation processes on the concentration, type, and removal of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites),
• determine the spread of resistance genes associated with the presence of antimicrobial substances in wastewater,
• develop and optimize processes for obtaining algal biomass products (drying, dry and wet biomass carriers),
• evaluate wastewater treatment products in terms of nutrient recovery and microbiological risks to health and the environment.

The findings from the laboratory experiments will be transferred to a pilot scale. The pilot experiments will be conducted on a high-rate algae pond at a central wastewater treatment plant.

The work of PhD student will take place in an interdisciplinary research group with a wide national and international network, through which we connect with national and international projects on nature-based solutions and reuse of resources. PhD student will have the opportunity to network and integrate in different consortia to present his/her work in an international scientific and local professional environment, which is important for further career development.

The duties of the candidate are as follows:

• Enrolment in the doctoral study program Biosciences at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
• Completing the PhD in 4 years
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on the selected topic
• Publish and present results both at international conferences and in scientific journals
• Collaborate in on-going projects of the research group related to the PhD topic

Required selection criteria:

• Education must correspond to a five-year degree program, where 120 credits are obtained at master’s level.
• The time from obtaining master degree until enrolment in the PhD program should not exceed 4 years. Candidates which are in the process of finishing the Master’s degree can still apply, but they need to obtain the Master degree until 15.9.2023

Preferred selection criteria

The preferred profile of the PhD candidate is a Master's degree in microbiology, biology, biotechnology or a related discipline. Experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of microbiology and nature-based technologies for wastewater treatment is desirable, as well as practical skills to work in a microbiology and chemistry laboratory. Also expected are independent work (selfinitiative), very good knowledge of English (written and spoken), ability to innovate, work in a team, communication skills, organizational skills, interest in or knowledge of computer programs for statistical data processing.

Salary and conditions

The position starts on the 1st of October. PhD positions (young researchers) are categorised in 35th class of the salary system for public employees in Slovenia which corresponds to 1 746.13 EUR before tax. The system allows for salary raise, depending on the candidate's work load.

Application
Interested candidates can apply online, following the link: https://www.uni-lj.si/study/young-reseachers/

Deadline for applications is by 05.04.2023, 13:00 CEST

Should you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Darja Istenič, darja.istenic@zf.uni-lj.si.