EngD (Engineering Doctorate): Forecasting plastic pollution reduction rivers

Are you interested in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis through science? Do you want to develop and improve forecasting models to support design and implementation of reduction measures? Are you motivated to work on impact-oriented research in an emerging field with high societal relevance? We are looking for a highly motivated EngD researcher to join our team (2 years, full-time, fully funded) at the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group at Wageningen University.

Plastic pollution has become a worldwide problem. Rivers play a crucial role in the transport of land-based plastic pollution towards the ocean. Moreover, large amounts of plastic are retained in and around rivers. Accurate assessments of the current and future state of plastic pollution in rivers are crucial in finding ways to realize effective reduction. In this project, we aim to develop a practical model to forecast river plastic pollution transport and quantify the impact of potential solutions.

In this EngD research project you will develop a new modeling tool to quantify plastic pollution in river systems, including input, transport, and export into the ocean. You will build on existing models (reference 1, reference 2), and focus on improving the temporal and spatial resolution. The model aims to estimate the impact of potential reduction strategies to support decision-makers. Furthermore, you will aim to better account for and quantify uncertainties in forecasts of current and future plastic pollution levels. The project has a primary focus on the Dutch Rhine-Meuse Delta, and other user cases in Germany, Latvia, Norway, and the UK. However, we aim to develop a modeling tool that can be widely applied across Europe and beyond.

For this position, we are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who has a background in Earth science, Environmental science, (environmental) hydraulics, or (civil/environmental) engineering. Prior experience with modeling water systems (for example hydrology, hydraulics, water quality, sediment) is highly preferable. Experience in coding skills is highly preferable. The project is a collaborative effort, and you will be part of the larger European project Tools4CleanBANOS, and work together with twenty partners from practice, government, and academia.

As an EngD candidate in our group, you will join the EngD program of Wageningen University. The EngD program includes an educational component focused on academic research and design, and a design assignment. Successful completion leads to an Engineering Doctorate (EngD).

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing your own project proposal, based on the Tools4CleanBANOS project
• Developing the conceptual and numerical model to forecast river plastic pollution, and model the impacts of different intervention solutions and scenarios
• Taking part in (international) workshops and conferences, and engaging in the organization of activities related to the project
• Preparing two deliverables for the Tools4CleanBANOS project, which can be used for the EngD thesis
• Engaging actively in the activities and collaborations of the research team within WUR and the Tools4CleanBANOS project

Your team
Your project is embedded in a broader research line of the River Plastic Team on plastic transport in rivers and estuaries around the world, and you are expected to collaborate with other team members on related topics.

You will work here
Your PhD research will be embedded within the Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics Group, where a lot of research is done on plastic and sediment transport in rivers and estuaries. The group has a strong (international) network with academic and societal partners that will benefit your PhD research. You will be supervised by dr.ir. Tim van Emmerik, dr.ir. Silke Tas and prof.dr.ir. Martine van der Ploeg.

EngD position: Designing electrically-driven separation processes for proteins

Are you interested in designing innovative separation methods that use an electric field as an additional driving force? Can you combine experimental with simulation results into a design that is relevant for industrial partners? If so, these may be the ideal Eng D position for you.

Waste streams that originate from processing agrifood materials still contain many valuable components, including proteins. Recovering these components is challenging, as current separation technologies often require a large energy input and use large amounts of chemicals. It is furthermore far from trivial to separate these components from inherently complex agrifood matrices. Recovering these components using sustainable separation methods is therefore a key priority when working towards a circular economy. This Eng D project will revolve around designing green separation technology for waste stream valorization by electrification. We will use electric fields as a driving force to create mild, yet highly effective, conditions that can be tailored to the specific properties of the agrifood materials of interest.

As an Eng D researcher, your ultimate goal is to provide a prototype for a novel separation processes that specifically targets protein molecules. You will combine knowledge on electrostatic interactions, fluid dynamics and machine design to develop a scalable process that has a technology readiness level of 6. You will focus on separation efficiency in terms of yield, purity and energy-usage, but also on the product and process in a broader context. This includes the effect of processing on product functionality and compatibility of the process with existing equipment and processing lines.

The design process will be guided by both simulations as well as experimental work and is carried out in close collaboration with an industrial partner, and you will become an integral part of the ReCoVR project. The project – more information in this video - is carried out by a consortium that consists of 5 academic institutes, 14 industrial partners, and 2 support organisations. Because of the multi-disciplinary character of the design project, it is essential that you participate actively in consortium meetings, and work together with other stakeholders.

In your position as an EngD researcher, you will:

• combine knowledge on electrostatic interactions, fluid dynamics and machine design;
• design a novel, scalable, separation process for proteins that uses electric fields as a driving force;
• provide a prototype that shows a technology readiness level of 6;
• work in close collaboration with both industrial- and academic partners in food sciences;
• share research outcomes through consortium updates, reports, and possibly research papers.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair group of Food Process Engineering, and members of the Food Micro-Technology team, which is led by Prof. Karin Schroën. You will be co-supervised by Dr. Patrick Wilms.

Animal Ecology Researcher on Farmland Birds

Are you an ecologist with knowledge of birds and experience in field research? Do you have a passion for applied research on nature restoration in agricultural landscapes? Do you closely follow scientific developments in this field? If so, we would like to hear from you!

Within the Animal Ecology team, we are expanding our capacity. We are looking for a researcher who wants to help carry out, shape, and strengthen applied research on farmland birds in agricultural areas. We are seeking someone who can place insights concerning these species groups within a broader ecological context. Examples include assessing the effects of restoration measures on different species groups in and around agricultural fields and understanding the functioning of the agricultural ecosystem as a whole.

The ecological challenges facing agricultural landscapes are significant. At the same time, there are concerns about the feasibility of conservation measures and the future prospects of farming businesses. Wageningen Environmental Research (WENR) works on a wide range of projects related to biodiversity in agricultural areas. Currently, there is a particular need to strengthen research on farmland birds. This includes conducting breeding bird surveys and locating nests of meadow and arable farmland birds, as well as analysing and reporting research findings. Knowledge of agricultural practices and agricultural policy (such as the Dutch Agri-Environment and Climate Management Scheme, ANLb, and the Nature Restoration Regulation) is a clear advantage.

In this role, you will work within project teams on projects focused on the monitoring, protection, and restoration of biodiversity. You will conduct fieldwork, process and interpret research results, and contribute to publications, including Dutch-language reports and articles as well as peer-reviewed scientific papers. You will help identify and develop new project opportunities and may eventually take the lead in acquisition activities.

The Animal Ecology team consists of researchers/project leaders, laboratory staff, and field staff working in the fields of mammalogy, ornithology, entomology, reptile and amphibian ecology, soil ecology, and ecological genetics. We undertake work commissioned by (local) governments, land managers, NGOs, businesses, as well as research supported by national and international scientific funding. We conduct high-quality, independent research focused on the protection, restoration, and management of wild fauna. Through applied research, we make our knowledge and expertise available to help safeguard the quality of our natural environment, now and in the future.

(Medior) Ecological Genetics Technician (24–32 Hours per Week)

Are you interested in applying molecular techniques to contribute to nature conservation and the resolution of ecological challenges? Do you enjoy working on a variety of projects simultaneously and collaborating within a dynamic team? Are you accurate, analytical, flexible, and communicative? Then we would like to hear from you.

As a (Medior) Ecological Genetics Technician, your primary responsibility will be to perform, and where appropriate develop, molecular laboratory analyses for both population genetic research and (e)DNA-based biodiversity assessments (metabarcoding). Much of this work involves analysing samples of low quality and quantity, such as non-invasive animal samples, environmental DNA (eDNA), and ancient DNA. These analyses are conducted in laboratory facilities specifically designed for handling such material.

The Animal Ecology Team consists of approximately twenty-five researchers, laboratory staff, and field technicians specializing in mammal, bird, insect, reptile/amphibian, soil ecology, and ecological genetics research. From the DNA level to the landscape scale, we analyse ecological processes, species interactions, and relationships between species and environmental and management factors.

We carry out research for governments, land managers, NGOs, businesses, and projects funded through national and international scientific programs. Our work is focused on high-quality, independent research aimed at the conservation and management of wild fauna. Through applied research, we make our knowledge and expertise available to help preserve the quality of our natural environment, both now and in the future.

What sets us apart is our combination of desk studies, empirical research, and specialized laboratory facilities, including the Ecological Genetics Laboratory.

Technician Insect Virology

We are looking for a technician to carry out tasks to support ongoing research in insect virology. In this role, you will be responsible for the continuous rearing of several insect species and you will assist researchers and students in preparing and carrying out their experiments. You will work within the Insect Virus group within the Laboratory of Virology, alongside another technician and various PhD candidates, postdocs and MSc and BSc students.

You will as a technician contribute to the successful execution of laboratory operations and support the work of employees and students. Within the chair’s research group, you will be part of a team of 6 technicians, who have divided a number of general organizational and administrative tasks amongst themselves and can take over each other’s duties where necessary.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• Caring for and maintaining insect cultures;
• Assisting with and carrying out experiments with insects;
• Assisting with and carrying out laboratory work;
• Carrying out general laboratory management tasks;
• Collaborating with technicians, PhD candidates, postdocs and students.

Your team
You will work with in the Insect Virology group, as part of the NWO Vici project ‘Invisible influencers: How hidden virus infections shape insect life’ led by Dr. Vera Ros. The project is aimed at disentangling how the insect’s virome (i.e. the assemblage of viruses) impacts insect immune responses, fitness and behaviour, and thereby influences interactions with and effects of incoming virus infections. The Insect Virology group is part of the chair group Laboratory of Virology, and research in the Insect Virology group focuses on multiple aspects of insect-virus interactions including mechanisms behind viral manipulation of insect behaviour, virus discovery, covert virus infections (i.e. infections without clear symptoms) in insects and the use of viruses for biological control of insect pests.

You will work here
The Laboratory of Virology is part of the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University. It is located at the Wageningen Campus in the Radix building. We provide virology teaching at Wageningen University within BSc and MSc programs across various disciplines. The Virology chair group comprises around 35 staff members, including research staff, technicians, PhD candidates, postdocs and visiting researchers. Each year, an average of 25 BSc and MSc students undertake their final-year research within Virology. The Virology group conducts fundamental research into plant viruses, insect viruses and arboviruses. Where possible, the knowledge generated is translated into applications aimed at improving food production and human and animal health.