PROJECT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES
This vacancy concerns a joint PhD project between VITO, the BioCo Research Group at Ghent University and Aquafin. The project focuses on improving the understanding, monitoring, and mitigation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from full-scale wastewater treatment plants. N2O is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 273 times higher than that of CO2 and dominates the carbon footprint of biological wastewater treatment. In addition, the recently revised European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requires wastewater utilities to monitor and report N2O emissions, thereby increasing the need for reliable quantification methods and effective emission reduction strategies. The project contributes to the transition towards climate-neutral wastewater treatment and supports the sector in meeting future regulatory requirements.
As a PhD researcher, you will investigate N2O emissions in full-scale Flemish wastewater treatment plants through dedicated monitoring campaigns. To this end, you will (i) evaluate, develop and refine measurement techniques for continuous N₂O quantification, (ii) collect, process, and analyse high-frequency operational and emission data from full-scale WWTPs, (iii) identify the key process variables and operational conditions driving N₂O formation and emissions, and (iv) develop and apply mechanistic, data-driven and hybrid modelling approaches to improve the understanding and prediction of N₂O emissions. Based on these insights, you will improve the understanding of N₂O production pathways in biological wastewater treatment and contribute to the development of operational and control strategies for N2O mitigation. You will also be responsible for communicating the project results through scientific publications, presentations at conferences and stakeholder meetings, and written technical reports.
TIMING AND ORGANIZATION
The PhD research will be jointly hosted by VITO in Ostend under the supervision of Dr. Laurence Strubbe and the BioCo Research Group at Ghent University under the supervision of Prof. Eveline Volcke. The successful candidate will spend approximately half of their time at VITO Ostend and half at Ghent University, benefiting from the complementary expertise and research environments of both institutions. In addition, the research will involve on-site work at wastewater treatment plants across Flanders, where monitoring campaigns will be conducted to collect operational and N₂O emission data.
The project has already secured funding for a first evaluation period, with a start date of 1 October 2026. During this evaluation period of 11 months, the candidate will be encouraged and supported to develop proposal for evaluation of prolongation (e.g. by FWO and/or VITO, and other equivalent funding schemes), to secure funding for the remainder of the PhD trajectory.
VITO
VITO has a long-standing track record in water-related research and innovation. Multidisciplinary water teams work on addressing challenges associated with water quality, scarcity, climate resilience and the transition towards sustainable and circular water systems.
This PhD project is embedded within the circular water technologies team of VITO's Water & Energy Transition Unit. This team develops, integrates and scales innovative technologies to address current and future challenges in the water sector. Key research domains include:
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advanced monitoring and digitalization of water treatment processes;
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greenhouse gas emission monitoring and mitigation;
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removal of contaminants of emerging concern;
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concentrate and residual stream treatment;
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resource recovery from wastewater and water reuse.
To support these activities, VITO offers state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure, as well as a strong network of industrial and public-sector stakeholders throughout Flanders and Europe.
Within this project, the candidate will closely collaborate with Dr. Laurence Strubbe, whose research focuses on greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment systems, including N₂O monitoring, process understanding and mitigation. Her expertise combines gas–liquid mass transfer, process modelling, pilot-scale operation, field monitoring campaigns and advanced data analysis. The candidate will benefit from VITO's strong connection to the Flemish water sector and its expertise in translating scientific insights into practical solutions for climate-neutral wastewater treatment.
THE BIOCO RESEARCH GROUP OF PROF. EVELINE VOLCKE
The BioCo research group of prof. Eveline Volcke focuses on efficient and sustainable design and optimization of biological wastewater treatment processes and other environmental applications.
Sustainability is interpreted as meeting the required product or effluent quality with reduced use of energy, resources or added chemicals, aiming for reuse, reduced emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, more compact installations, … in a reliable, safe, economically beneficial and socially acceptable way. Process engineering aspects are studied through a combination of physical-based modelling, full-scale monitoring, lab-scale experiments and data analysis.
An overview of ongoing projects and the research expertise of prof. Eveline Volcke can be found in the flyer and from her publication list https://biblio.ugent.be/person/801001401608.
WHAT WE OFFER
As a member of both VITO and UGent BioCo research group, you will join a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment and benefit from:
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world-renowned expertise in biological wastewater treatment in general and the topics and methodologies related for the proposed project in particular
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knowledge building and skills strengthening through hands-on experience on an impactful project
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high-quality guidance and coaching, including regular follow-up meetings
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interaction with highly competent and motivated colleagues
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a large (international) network with academic and industrial partners
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the possibility to build up your own network from an independent research position
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self-development through participation in courses, workshops and conferences.
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a flexible working environment, e.g. allowing teleworking
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attractive employment conditions, including a competitive salary and benefits such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 38 days of paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement etc.
MORE INFO? INTERESTED TO APPLY?
For more information, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Laurence Strubbe and prof. Eveline Volcke.
VITO Oostende | Wetenschapspark 1 | 8400 Oostende
Phone: +32 3 295 22 42
Ghent University, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology | Coupure links 653 | 9000 Gent
Phone: +32 9 264 61 29
Interested to apply? Please let us know as soon as possible. Applications should be submitted online and include a copy of your CV, diploma transcripts and a cover letter. The selection procedure will be closed on 31 July 2026.
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You hold an MSc degree in a relevant discipline e.g. Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, (Bio)Process Engineering.
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You have affinity with biological wastewater treatment or environmental technology in general.
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You have a good knowledge of or you show a strong interest in sensor technologies, monitoring campaigns, advanced data analysis of large operational datasets, mathematical modelling and/or process optimization.
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You are eager to learn and you have a critical spirit.
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You are able to work independently but you are also a team player.
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You demonstrate good communication skills.
