PhD in Micro and Nanoplastic Particles as Carriers of Stormwater Pollutants

In this research, processes involved in transporting metals and organic pollutants on microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) surfaces are studied, as well as the sorption processes of MNPs on sustainable sorption filter materials for the treatment of polluted stormwater. The research aims to deepen the understanding of how pollutants and MNPs are transported in the environment and provides fundamental knowledge needed to develop innovative and novel types of filters for treating polluted water.

Project description
Microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) as carriers of urban stormwater pollutants and their removal mechanisms in sorption filters are studied in batch column tests in the laboratory. Mixtures of selected MNPs (e.g. tyre wear particles, PE, and PVC) are tested to determine the sorption capacity, kinetics, and isotherms of selected stormwater pollutants (e.g. PAH-16, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Data are then fitted to kinetic and isothermal models to determine the type of sorption processes involved for each pollutant. The sorption capacity of MNP on sustainable materials, such as biochar, bark, and ash, is also being tested. The sorbent materials' morphology, particle shape, elemental composition, and organic chemical composition before and after the tests are visualised and analysed using SEM-EDX and ToF-SIMS. The knowledge from this project is crucial for the design of environmental pollution processes and facilities. It also gives the water treatment sector essential insights to develop sustainable and innovative technologies such as bioretention filters.

Information about the division and the department
The project is performed in the research area of Sustainable Urban Water and Environmental Engineering (SUWEE) at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Division of Water Environment Technology. The research area includes 15 researchers as full or facilitated members. The vision for the SUWEE research area is to conduct excellent and high-quality research and teaching on contaminated water and materials, stormwater, and climate adaptation. This will contribute to the sustainable development of society. Achieving this vision requires creative collaborations within the framework of a good and equal working environment. Our strength is using and combining experimental, digital, and qualitative approaches.

Major responsibilities



• Takes responsibility for their tasks. Structures their approach and drives their processes forward.
• Can collaborate closely with the other research group members.
• Listens to and interacts well with others. Resolve conflicts constructively and can compromise.
• Should be able to come up with ideas and new perspectives and have an open and curious approach.
• Collects, reviews, structures, evaluates and interprets data/information. Can see patterns and draw conclusions based on complex data/information.)
• Has an eye for detail and places great importance on thorough work.
• Are expected to participate in teaching bachelor's and master’s level courses in civil and environmental engineering. Bachelor's courses are taught in Swedish, and applicants who do not have Swedish as a native language should be able to teach in Swedish within two years of employment. Chalmers offers courses in the Swedish language.
•

Qualifications



• Master of Science in Environmental science or engineering or Master of science in Chemical science or engineering.
• Experience of practical work in environmental or chemistry laboratory.
• Excellence in English writing of scientific or technical reports.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
max 2 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.


Application deadline: 2025-01-06



For questions, please contact:
Ann-Margret Hvitt Strömvall, ACE,
Ann-margret.stromvall@chalmers.se

 

 

 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.