Intensification of Anaerobic Digestion of Biosolids

In partnership with USP Technologies with Brown & Caldwell, we are developing an innovative treatment technologies able to intensify fermentation and anaerobic digestion while also enabling resource recovery. More information about the technology can be found in the following publications :
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135422006728
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wer.10694
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894724009549
We invite applications for 3 Ph.D. positions related to integration of anaerobic digestion technologies with advanced physiochemical processes for enhanced recovery of N, P, and VFAs. The successful applicant will engage in experimental and modeling work to advance the technology.
The project involves strong collaboration with industry and opportunities for internships. The selected candidates will join a research team comprised of 6 graduate students, 3 post-doctoral fellows, and a research scientist focused on the development of anaerobic digestion technologies. All applicants should have a master’s degree and a strong background in biological wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion of wastewater biosolids, anaerobic digestion modeling , and knowledge of the anaerobic digestion model ADM1. For the first position, experience in emerging technologies such as microbial hydrolysis, Cambi, single and two-stage anaerobic mesophilic and thermophilic digestion technologies is an asset. For the second position, experience in resource recovery using physiochemical processes, including micro and nanofiltration is beneficial. The third position requires experience with dewatering including various dewatering tests and lab-scale dewatering equipment. The candidates must also be competent in conducting and modeling of anaerobic treatability studies. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary, and knowledge of experimental design software is an asset.
The successful candidate will join a prestigious research group which has been awarded over $19M in funding in the last 10 years. Western University (http://www.uwo.ca/) is a leading Canadian academic institution that is committed to excelling as an innovative research-intensive university.
Please send your CV, a list of two references (along with contact phone and email), unofficial university transcripts and a cover letter summarizing qualifications and research interests to Dr. George Nakhla (gnakhla@uwo.ca). The ideal start date is September 2024 but January 2025 will also be considered. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, until the positions are filled.
We are thankful for all applicants, but only individuals who are selected for an interview will be contacted.