Postdoctoral Fellow: PFAS Treatment Technologies

About the position

Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year Postdoctoral research fellowship in treatment solutions for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contaminated soils and water.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in environmental remediation.

The postdoctoral position consists of a combination of research and test facility development and coordination. The research part is linked to the research-based innovation centre earthresQue [Rescue of earth materials and wastes in the circular economy, www.earthresque.no; SFI eQ]. 

The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the  Section of Soil and Water Sciences at MINA. There will also be a strong link to the Faculty of Science and Technology (RealTek) in the development of the test-pilot facility for contaminated soil and water. 

The SFI eQ includes scientists from eight Norwegian research institutions, and several partners from public sector and industries. Stakeholders in earthresQue represent the construction and waste industries, as well as authority levels concerned with management of earth materials and land-use planning. Research activities are strongly driven by their challenges within recycling technology, sustainability assessment and regulatory framework.

The center focuses on two important components: 

• Sustainable management and reuse of excess earth materials and wastes. 
• Sustainable risk reducing solutions for old and future landfills.

Main tasks

The main purpose of the post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions. A PhD degree is required to work on the following tasks:

• Conduct advanced research on PFAS removal techniques in soil and water.
• Research, development and optimisation of methods for soil separation and washing.
• Coordinate the work on building a pilot-scale soil separation, washing, and water treatment facility.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

There are currently three PhD students working with PFAS treatment in different ways. You will be involved in guiding these when appropriate. You will take lead on the design and progress of the pilot scale facility to be able to test the various separating and washing steps of a soil washing facility. Our partner AF Decom has a full-scale facility near Oslo, https://www.afgruppen.no/prosjekter/miljo/esval/

Competence

This position involves creative and varied work, and the postdoctoral fellow will become a member of a dynamic and multifaceted research group. The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in environmental remediation and water treatment technologies.
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders (user partners) and researchers

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

• Experience with PFAS research is highly desirable
• Experience with methods for characterizing soil and water from excavated waste and surplus masses
• Driver’s license
• Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

The personal qualities that are sought for include:

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• An inquisitive nature and desire to answer complex questions.
• Have an inner drive and be devoted to research
• Creative with a broad scientific and societal interest who thrives in a dynamic research environment

Information concerning employment as a Postdoctoral fellow at NMBU, see: Postdoctoral fellow | NMBU.

Remuneration and further information

The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow, wage framework 24 (salary grade 62-77)  (NOK 604900-796600), depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.

Relocation information for international researchers:

• EURAXESS Norway provides information, assistance, and services free of charge to mobile researchers via https://www.euraxess.no/ 
• Employment at NMBU and residence in Norway longer than 12 months provide the basis for membership in the National Insurance Scheme
• Our social security system supports families with parental benefits, cash-for-care benefits for parents, and care benefit days. Other benefits include sickness benefits and pension rights

For further information, please contact

Professor Helen Kristine French, telephone: +4767231814 or associate professor Zakhar Maletskyi, telephone: +4767231911.

General Information to applicants

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NMBU

Application

To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Application deadline: November 4th, 2024

Your application must include a CV and a brief research proposal. Applications without mandatory attachments may not be prioritised. Both CV and research proposal must follow the templates and requirements provided below:

• Research proposal
• CV

Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested. 

Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to present verified copies of diplomas and certificates.

Please note that the report from the expert committee will be sent to all applicants.

About The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management

The Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA) works with nature and the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, biological and geological processes.

MINA’s employees undertake teaching, research and dissemination within the fields of geology, hydrology and limnology, soil science, environmental chemistry, forestry, ecology, natural resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based tourism.

Our vision is to be a key actor in knowledge production and dissemination, and our goal is to deliver research of high, international quality, and varied and excellent teaching. The faculty’s employees are significant participants within their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The faculty is dominated by a vital research culture and high levels of scientific production.

The faculty has about 200 employees, 90 PhD students and 650 students.

Read more about MINA here.

The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)

NMBU will contribute to securing the future of life through outstanding research, education, communication and innovation. We have the country's most satisfied university students, who receive research-based education in a unique student environment. Our graduates gain a high level of competence in interdisciplinary collaboration and are popular in the labor market.

NMBU has internationally leading research environments in several subjects. Together with our partners in society and business, we contribute to solving some of the biggest societal challenges of our time. We focus on innovation, communication and entrepreneurship because we believe these challenges are best solved with joint efforts. We believe that a good working environment is characterized by diversity.If necessary, workplace adaptations will be made for persons with disabilities. More information about NMBU is available at www.nmbu.no/en