Fully Funded PhD Position in Understanding and Decreasing N₂O Emissions in Deammonification at Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands (2026)
Wageningen University & Research (WUR), one of the world's leading life sciences universities, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the Environmental Technology Group.
This exciting doctoral project is part of the UNITED (Understanding and Narrowing Impacts of Targeted N₂O Emissions in Deammonification) consortium, where researchers collaborate with Dutch water authorities, wastewater treatment companies, and technology providers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants.
If you have a background in environmental science, water technology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or biobased sciences, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to climate-neutral wastewater treatment while pursuing your PhD in the Netherlands.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Candidate |
| Research Area | Environmental Technology / Wastewater Treatment |
| University | Wageningen University & Research (WUR) |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Department | Environmental Technology |
| Employment Type | Fully Funded PhD |
| Duration | 4 years (18-month contract with extension upon satisfactory progress) |
| Starting Date | 1 December 2026 |
| Working Hours | 38 hours/week |
| Salary | €3,059–€3,881 per month |
| Application Deadline | 5 October 2026 |
| Interview Date | 15 October 2026 (tentative) |
About the UNITED Research Project
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases and significantly contributes to the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants.
Through the UNITED project, Wageningen University collaborates with major stakeholders from the Dutch water sector to:
Understand how nitrous oxide is produced in deammonification systems.
Identify biological and operational mechanisms behind emissions.
Develop practical mitigation strategies.
Support Dutch water authorities in achieving climate neutrality by 2035.
The project combines fundamental scientific research with real-world implementation at full-scale wastewater treatment plants.
Research Responsibilities
As a PhD researcher, you will work on both laboratory and field-based studies.
Your responsibilities include:
Conducting laboratory-scale bioreactor experiments.
Investigating different N₂O production pathways in deammonification reactors.
Studying the effects of electron donor and acceptor availability.
Analysing operational data from multiple full-scale wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands.
Evaluating rejection water characteristics affecting emissions.
Developing mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Testing mitigation measures in full-scale reactors.
Collaborating closely with water authorities and industrial partners.
Publishing research in high-impact scientific journals.
Presenting findings at international conferences.
Research Environment
The successful candidate will join the Environmental Technology Group at Wageningen University & Research.
Supervision will be provided by:
Dr. Paula van den Brink
Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne
The project involves extensive collaboration with Dutch water authorities, technology providers, and wastewater treatment companies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
MSc degree in:
Environmental Sciences
Water Technology
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering
Biobased Sciences
or a closely related discipline
Applicants should also have:
Experience with laboratory or bioreactor experiments
Knowledge of biological nitrogen removal processes
Experience with data analysis
Ability to connect fundamental science with engineering applications
Strong communication skills
English language proficiency at C1 level
Dutch language skills are advantageous but not mandatory
Applicants should be available to start on 1 December 2026.
Skills Preferred
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
Experimental research experience
Environmental microbiology knowledge
Wastewater engineering background
Biological process engineering expertise
Scientific writing skills
Statistical data analysis
Teamwork and stakeholder communication
Interest in climate mitigation technologies
Salary and Benefits
This PhD position comes with an attractive employment package under the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO-NU).
Benefits include:
Fully funded four-year PhD
Monthly salary:
First year: €3,059
Final year: €3,881
8.3% year-end bonus
Excellent Dutch pension scheme
Flexible working hours
Partially paid parental leave
Affordable campus sports facilities
Professional training programme
International conference opportunities
Support for career development
Excellent work-life balance
International Applicants
Wageningen University offers extensive support for international researchers, including:
Visa and immigration assistance
Residence permit support
Family relocation assistance
Housing guidance
Bank account support
Schooling information
Dual-career support
Welcome Centre services
Possible eligibility for the Dutch 30% tax ruling
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit only two documents (maximum 3 pages total):
Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
Important:
Applications exceeding three pages will not be considered.
At this stage, do not submit:
Academic transcripts
Grade sheets
Additional certificates
These documents will not be evaluated during the initial selection.
Applicants must also complete the mandatory online qualification form linked in the official vacancy.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 5 October 2026 |
| First Interviews | 15 October 2026 |
| Expected Start Date | 1 December 2026 |
Why Choose Wageningen University & Research?
Wageningen University & Research consistently ranks among the world's top institutions in life sciences, agriculture, and environmental research.
Highlights include:
Internationally recognized research excellence
Green and sustainable campus
Over 7,600 employees
More than 13,000 students
Researchers from around the world
Strong collaboration with industry and government
Modern laboratories and research facilities
Excellent career development opportunities
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Wageningen University & Research recruitment portal.
Prepare:
CV (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
Complete the mandatory online qualification form
Submit before 5 October 2026
Official Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a fully funded PhD position?
Yes. The position is fully funded and includes a monthly salary, employee benefits, pension contributions, and research training.
2. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 5 October 2026.
3. When does the PhD start?
The expected starting date is 1 December 2026.
4. What is the monthly salary?
The salary starts at €3,059 per month in the first year and increases to €3,881 per month in the fourth year.
5. Which academic backgrounds are eligible?
Candidates with an MSc in Environmental Sciences, Water Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Biobased Sciences, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
6. Is Dutch language proficiency mandatory?
No. English proficiency at C1 level is required, while Dutch is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
7. What research topics will the PhD focus on?
The project focuses on biological nitrogen removal, deammonification, nitrous oxide emissions, wastewater treatment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and environmental biotechnology.
8. Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. Wageningen University welcomes international applicants and provides visa, relocation, and settlement support.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
CV (maximum 2 pages)
Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
Mandatory online qualification form
10. Who are the supervisors?
The project will be supervised by Dr. Paula van den Brink and Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne.
Final Thoughts
This fully funded PhD at Wageningen U
niversity & Research offers an exceptional opportunity to work on cutting-edge research addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges in wastewater treatment—reducing nitrous oxide emissions. By combining laboratory experimentation, full-scale wastewater treatment data, and collaboration with industry stakeholders, the project provides a strong foundation for a research career in environmental technology, climate change mitigation, and sustainable water management. For candidates interested in making a tangible impact on global sustainability, this PhD represents an outstanding opportunity in one of Europe's leading research universities.
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