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About the Project
We invite applications for a PhD research project focused on Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for sustainable wastewater treatment, with particular emphasis on the efficiency, optimisation, and practical application of constructed wetlands and passive treatment systems.
The project will investigate how nature-based and low-energy treatment technologies can be designed and optimised to provide effective, resilient, and sustainable treatment of wastewater, including industrial effluents and treated wastewater streams.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will investigate the performance and optimisation of constructed wetlands and/or other passive treatment technologies under a range of operating conditions. The research may include:
- Evaluating the treatment efficiency of constructed wetlands and passive treatment systems for different wastewater streams.
- Understanding the influence of hydraulic loading, retention time, substrate characteristics, vegetation, temperature, redox conditions and seasonal variability on treatment performance.
- Developing approaches to optimise system design and operational conditions to maximise treatment efficiency while minimising energy, land and operational requirements.
- Assessing the performance of nature-based systems for the polishing of treated effluents prior to discharge or potential reuse.
- Combining experimental data with modelling, statistical analysis and/or data-driven approaches to understand and predict treatment performance.
- Assessing the potential for scaling laboratory and pilot-scale systems towards real-world applications.
Research Approach
The project will involve a combination of laboratory experiments, pilot-scale investigations and field-based research, depending on the specific research questions developed during the PhD.
The candidate will have opportunities to work with real wastewater and industrial effluents, undertake detailed water-quality analysis, develop and operate experimental treatment systems, and apply quantitative approaches to evaluate and optimise system performance.
The research is intended to contribute to the development of practical, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives or complementary technologies to conventional wastewater treatment.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in environmental engineering, environmental science, water and wastewater treatment, biotechnology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Applicants should ideally have:
- A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree with a strong academic record.
- An interest in wastewater treatment, environmental biotechnology, ecological engineering or nature-based solutions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- An interest in experimental research and laboratory/field work.
- Good quantitative and scientific communication skills.
- The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Experience with water-quality analysis, constructed wetlands, wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, chemical analysis, statistical analysis, modelling or data science would be advantageous but is not essential.
What the PhD Offers
The successful candidate will join a research environment working at the interface of environmental engineering, water management and nature-based solutions. The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in:
- Nature-based wastewater treatment technologies
- Constructed wetland design and optimisation
- Industrial wastewater treatment
- Water-quality monitoring and analysis
- Experimental and pilot-scale research
- Environmental modelling and data analysis
- Sustainable water management
- Resource recovery and circular-economy approaches
The research has potential for collaboration with industry, water utilities, environmental organisations and other academic partners, providing opportunities to connect fundamental research with real-world wastewater management challenges.
Application and Selection process
Application Procedure: Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document containing (i) a Curriculum Vitae including education and level achieved, relevant work experience and the names and contact details of 2 referees, (ii) a cover letter detailing suitability to the position and career ambitions. Copies of academic transcripts will be requested for shortlisted candidates.
Applications should be emailed to ronan.courtney@ul.ie with the subject line 'NBS WaterTreatment PhD'.
Funding Notes
Fully-Funded