Phd Student Position In Engineering Science

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

A PhD position is available at the Chair for ‘Urban Water Management’ (Prof. Dr. Joachim Hansen), Department of Engineering. The successful candidate will be hired in the frame of the PreWaPharm (Prevent water pollution by pharmaceuticals) project funded by Interreg NWE.

PREWAPHARM aims to address the issue of medicine residues through a strong collaboration of NWE experts from the healthcare and water sectors. A transnational strategy will be developed, aligning with the relevant policies of seven NWE countries and providing a framework for future joint efforts. Strategic guidelines will be translated into comprehensive regional action plans and guiding documents. Two solutions - one focusing on medicine use and the other on wastewater treatment - will be designed and developed to reduce pharmaceutical residues in water. These solutions will be integrated into regional action plans to enhance implementation and impact. Meanwhile the wastewater treatment solution will be developed through four pilots utilizing advanced techniques at high-risk sites, including healthcare units and hospitals to remove pharmaceuticals at their source.

The PhD topic will aim to operate and assess a pilot on healthcare institutions (hospital in Luxembourg and Belgium) to reduce the emission of medicine residues. The treatment solutions with a focus on a combination of an Advanced-Oxidation process together with a Nature-based solution should be evaluated and compared with other tested technologies. One main goal is to optimize existing technologies, combine them into innovative treatment trains to remove pharmaceutical residues from hospital wastewater and to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare on the municipal wastewater system. Furthermore, possibilities of water-reuse within healthcare institutes and their surroundings should be explored.

Your profile

• Diploma or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or related disciplines
• Assisting in Bachelor/Master projects and courses
• Curiosity, a genuine passion for scientific research
• Openness to interdisciplinary research and commitment to teamwork
• Commitment and capacity to critical thinking and good research ethics
• Advanced competence in laboratory and analytical work is necessary
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English is mandatory. German is desirable

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Motivation letter indicating the research area of interest
• Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, work experience, publications)
• Copy of the MSc diploma
• Reference letter from last employer or Master thesis Professor
• Transcript of all courses and results from the highest university-level courses taken

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned Start Date: 1st June 2025
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07318

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).