PhD Positions in Wastewater Engineering and Resource Recovery at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau

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.