项目介绍

2026年5月24日

Do you want to join us with a dive into the fascinating world of micropollutant biodegradation? Are you passionate to work on electrochemical technologies for clean water? Are you a systematic analytical researcher and are you enthusiastic about collaboration with industrial stakeholders to ensure applicability of your scientific results? This might be the PhD position for you! 

We are seeking a full time PhD candidate with a strong background in applied microbiology and bioprocess engineering to join our Electricity Assisted Micropollutant Biodegradation project at Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research. Even though many microbes have shown capacities for (partial) degradation of micropollutants and even PFAS, their slow kinetics hinder application of these processes in water treatment systems. In our project, you will study the boosting effect of combining micropollutant degrading microbes with electrochemical systems, to improve process kinetics. The project is aimed at micropollutants in municipal and industrial waste water streams. 

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• operating microbial electrochemical reactors with micropollutant degrading microbes;
• analytical measurement of micropollutants and transformation products;
• have regular interactions with a consortium of 5 industrial and governmental stakeholders to ensure practical relevance of the work;
• as part of this chair group, you will also be involved in support of teaching activities and training of MSc and BSc students.

You will work here

The PhD position will be based at Wageningen University under the supervision of Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne, Dr. Nora Sutton and Dr. Sanne de Smit. 

The position is embedded in the chair group of Environmental Technology of Wageningen University, with expertise in (bio)electrochemical systems and micropollutant biodegradation. Our lab is equipped with special lab facilities for operating electrochemical systems and analytical facilities for monitoring environmentally relevant micropollutant concentrations. 

Environmental Technology (ETE) develops and evaluates innovative environmental technologies and concepts based on processes from nature, to recover and reuse essential components and maintain and create a viable environment. Our education inspires students to develop their talents. We impact by innovation through top science and focus on applicability. Environmental Technology offer education that is focused on sustainable technological solutions for the worldwide environmental problems. Our approach is to combine several disciplines in order to achieve innovations for environmental solutions.

Your qualities

We are seeking a dedicated professional to develop electrified micropollutant biodegradation technologies. The ideal candidate has a passion for microbes, sustainability, sustainable microbial biotechnology at the interface of industrial and environmental applications, and is highly motivated to contribute to research on biodegradation technologies. 

You also possess: 

• a MSc degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Microbiology, Biotechnology or Bioprocess engineering or related field;
• proven experience with working independently in the lab for operating bioreactors and/or electrochemical systems;
• experience with advanced analytical techniques for the identification and quantification of micropollutants is considered a strong asset;
• a strong desire and ability to quickly master new (laboratory) techniques to effectively tackle complex, multidisciplinary scientific queries;
• excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate constructively  with scientific team members, BSc/MSc students, and industrial partners;
• you are aware about the safety aspects of working in a laboratory and driven to actively contribute to a safe workplace.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

Coming from abroad

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. 

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Sanne de Smit, via email: sanne.desmit@wur.nl. 
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Evelien Janssen, Corporate Recruiter, via email: evelien.janssen@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• Motivation letter.

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including Monday 8 June 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for 18 and 19 June 2026.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:

PhD on Electricity assisted micropollutant biodegradation – Fill out form

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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