The Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) is offering a student assistant (HiWi) position to support the operation and modification of a multi-stage wastewater treatment pilot plant at the main wastewater treatment plant in Stuttgart-Mühlhausen. This opportunity is ideal for students in environmental engineering, civil engineering, process engineering, or chemistry, especially those with a focus on wastewater chemistry or related fields. The position involves hands-on work with a pilot-scale constructed wetland, including mechanical pre-treatment, sampling, and laboratory analysis of water quality parameters such as conductivity, redox potential, pH, acid capacity, turbidity, and various nutrients and metals. Routine tasks include maintaining operational logs, calibrating sensors, cleaning containers, and supporting the operation of the pilot plant. The role is for 4 hours per week and is initially limited to 6 months, with the possibility to start immediately. Applicants should have a strong interest in experimental work, practical knowledge in environmental or process engineering, and good communication skills in English or German. Laboratory experience and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are highly valued. The position is paid according to standard HiWi rates, but no further funding or stipend details are specified. Applications from women and disabled candidates are strongly encouraged. To apply, send your complete application documents in PDF format to M.Sc. Samira Bauschatz and Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carlo Morandi at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau by email before the end of February 2026. For more information, see the provided links to the WAREM program and the DECIRE-WATER project.

Two PhD positions are available in the field of Wastewater Engineering and Resource Recovery at the Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Germany, as part of the DFG Research Training Group WERA. The positions focus on innovative approaches to phosphorus and iron recovery from wastewater and sewage sludge, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental protection. Project D1 centers on adsorption and ion-exchange for combined phosphorus elimination and recovery. The research aims to develop integrative methods for direct phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater using new and modified adsorbent materials. The work involves laboratory experiments progressing from simplified systems to complex, real-world scenarios, including the use of a semi-technical experimental wastewater treatment plant. Key research questions address the efficiency of phosphorus elimination and recovery, dependencies between these processes, achievable effluent values, and the operational stability and economy of ion exchangers. Applicants should have a strong background in civil or environmental engineering and a keen interest in experimental and conceptual investigations related to wastewater treatment. Project D3 focuses on iron removal and recovery from sewage sludge using zeolites, with the goal of optimizing struvite precipitation by minimizing iron interference. The project involves laboratory-scale research and upscaling to pilot applications, utilizing fixed-bed reactors. It also broadens the scope to holistic resource recovery, including metals, nitrogen, potassium, and water. The research will address scientific questions such as optimizing iron removal under acidic conditions, understanding the influence of matrix conditions and iron oxidation states, and evaluating the long-term stability of adsorbent materials. Candidates should have an excellent M.Sc. in engineering (environmental, process, chemical), natural sciences, or equivalent, with strong interest in wastewater treatment and adsorption processes. Both positions require excellent academic credentials, proficiency in English, and a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research. Non-German speakers are encouraged to learn German. The WERA program offers a collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in process engineering, materials science, and environmental technology. Funding: The positions are fully funded as part of the DFG Research Training Group, providing salary and research support. Specific stipend amounts are not detailed in the announcement. Application Deadline: January 31, 2026. Early applications are encouraged. How to Apply: Prepare a letter of motivation, CV, copies of Bachelor's and Master's certificates with complete lists of grades, and any other relevant evidence. Send your application for Project D1 to Prof. Heidrun Steinmetz ([email protected]) and for Project D3 to Asst. Prof. Dr. Carlo Morandi ([email protected]). For more information, visit the WERA program website.