Ph.D. Level Graduate Research Assistant position – Environmental Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
The Bioreactor Technology Group (BTG) Laboratory in the Faculty of Applied Science's School of Engineering at UBC's Okanagan campus has a Ph.D. Level Graduate Research Assistant position available with a start date of May 2023. The successful candidate will join the BTG group led by Dr. Cigdem Eskicioglu, to conduct research in the broad areas of municipal wastewater sludge treatment, resource recovery, contaminant removal, and microplastic degradation.
BTG is a growing, well-recognized research group with more than 15 graduate students, Research Engineer, and Laboratory Technicians working in well-equipped laboratories. BTG’s research is mainly focused on waste minimization and resource recovery (bioenergy, nutrients) from waste (http://bioreactortechgroup.ok.ubc.ca/).
Research Area of Priority
One of the possible projects is to study the weathering behavior of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater sludge processes, including degradation kinetics and analysis of weathering products (supported by NSERC in collaboration with multiple academic partners). The hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and anaerobic digestion (AD) will be investigated for the physicochemical and biochemical fate/behavior of MPs, respectively in the wastewater sludge. There could be many other research projects for selection depending on the interest and background of the successful candidate and the project needs at the time of onboarding.
These projects will involve working with several academic partners and water and wastewater utilities to support the research needs by developing methods/procedures/processes to identify, quantify and remove contaminants, microplastics, and degradation products in a variety of sample matrices. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop his/her research ideas within project goals and will be encouraged to be actively engaged in collaborative and multidisciplinary research works.
Motivated candidates with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in environmental engineering, environmental science, civil engineering, analytical environmental chemistry, or a related field are encouraged to apply. Candidates with strong organization and communication skills who enjoy environmental research, and are keen to work at the chemistry biology interface are highly desired. Working knowledge of hydrothermal liquefaction and anaerobic digestion processes is a plus. The candidate should demonstrate an ability to conduct creative research, a strong commitment to teamwork, and the ability to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Applicants must also meet the English proficiency requirements and other requirements for admission to the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus.
How to Apply
Applicants should provide curriculum vitae, proof of Bachelor's and/or Masters's degrees, academic transcripts, a list of three referees, and a motivation letter to cigdem.eskicioglu@ubc.ca.
The anticipated start date for this position is May 01, 2023. Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate has been found.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.