CW
PhD PFAS removal with activated carbon in drinking water treatment
- Salary
- €3.2K–€4.1KEUR
- Moves you to
- Netherlands
- Support
- Visa sponsorship
- Posted
- Oct 1, 2026
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Career at WUR
About Us
PFAS are among the most challenging contaminants facing drinking water utilities worldwide. Although granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely applied for PFAS removal, utilities face challenges with rapid PFAS breakthrough and as a consequence more frequent re-activation of activated carbon filters. The factors controlling breakthrough under realistic drinking water conditions remain insufficiently understood, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in the water matrix.
As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how water composition, natural organic matter, and activated carbon properties influence PFAS removal in drinking water treatment. You will combine laboratory experiments, column studies, and data analysis to identify the factors governing PFAS breakthrough at environmentally relevant conditions and concentrations.
Working closely with drinking water company Evides, you will study PFAS adsorption in realistic drinking water matrices and evaluate how differences in NOM composition affect filter performance. The insights obtained in this project will support the development of improved operational strategies for activated carbon filtration and help drinking water utilities better predict and manage PFAS breakthrough in practice.
Your Duties And Responsibilities Include
The research is embedded within the Chair Group of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research. The Environmental Technology group develops scientific understanding and technologies for sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, and environmental protection.
You will be part of the Electrified Interfaces team, a research group studying transport, adsorption, reactions, and selectivity at environmental interfaces. Within this team, you will contribute to research on adsorption and separation processes for water treatment and environmental applications. The team is led by dr. Jouke E. Dykstra .
The project is carried out in close collaboration with Evides, one of the largest drinking water companies in the Netherlands, providing unique opportunities to connect fundamental research with real-world drinking water challenges.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir. A. van der Wal and co-supervised by Dr. Ir. Jouke E. Dykstra.
Your qualities
You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher who enjoys working on complex scientific challenges. You combine analytical thinking with creativity and have a strong interest in understanding fundamental processes at interfaces.
You Also Possess
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- 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 Jouke Dykstra, Associate Professor, via email: Jouke.Dykstra@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips Corporate Recruiter, via email: rutger.voorrips@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 ):
You can apply up to and including October 26th, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled shortly after the closing date.
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.
Locations
Wageningen
Professional field
PhD & EngD
Educational level
Masters degree
Apply before
27-10-2026
Salary range
€3204 - €4051
Hours
38 - 38
About Us
- Plenty of variety and challenges
- Pleasant working atmosphere
- Time for personal development
- Proper work-life balance
- Internationally leading
PFAS are among the most challenging contaminants facing drinking water utilities worldwide. Although granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely applied for PFAS removal, utilities face challenges with rapid PFAS breakthrough and as a consequence more frequent re-activation of activated carbon filters. The factors controlling breakthrough under realistic drinking water conditions remain insufficiently understood, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in the water matrix.
As a PhD candidate, you will investigate how water composition, natural organic matter, and activated carbon properties influence PFAS removal in drinking water treatment. You will combine laboratory experiments, column studies, and data analysis to identify the factors governing PFAS breakthrough at environmentally relevant conditions and concentrations.
Working closely with drinking water company Evides, you will study PFAS adsorption in realistic drinking water matrices and evaluate how differences in NOM composition affect filter performance. The insights obtained in this project will support the development of improved operational strategies for activated carbon filtration and help drinking water utilities better predict and manage PFAS breakthrough in practice.
Your Duties And Responsibilities Include
- investigating the mechanisms governing competitive adsorption of PFAS and natural organic matter on granular activated carbon;
- designing and conducting batch and column experiments at environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations;
- analysing experimental data and developing predictive tools for activated carbon filter performance;
- identifying key water quality parameters that can serve as indicators for PFAS breakthrough;
- publishing your results in international scientific journals and presenting your work at conferences.
The research is embedded within the Chair Group of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research. The Environmental Technology group develops scientific understanding and technologies for sustainable water treatment, resource recovery, and environmental protection.
You will be part of the Electrified Interfaces team, a research group studying transport, adsorption, reactions, and selectivity at environmental interfaces. Within this team, you will contribute to research on adsorption and separation processes for water treatment and environmental applications. The team is led by dr. Jouke E. Dykstra .
The project is carried out in close collaboration with Evides, one of the largest drinking water companies in the Netherlands, providing unique opportunities to connect fundamental research with real-world drinking water challenges.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir. A. van der Wal and co-supervised by Dr. Ir. Jouke E. Dykstra.
Your qualities
You are an enthusiastic and curious researcher who enjoys working on complex scientific challenges. You combine analytical thinking with creativity and have a strong interest in understanding fundamental processes at interfaces.
You Also Possess
- a successfully completed MSc degree in Environmental Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field;
- affinity with adsorption processes, water treatment, colloid and interface science, or environmental chemistry;
- experience with laboratory research and experimental design;
- strong analytical and quantitative skills, with interest in data analysis and modelling;
- excellent communication skills and a strong motivation to publish scientific research.
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.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.204,- per month rising to € 4.051,- 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 Jouke Dykstra, Associate Professor, via email: Jouke.Dykstra@wur.nl.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips Corporate Recruiter, via email: rutger.voorrips@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 ):
- Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page).
You can apply up to and including October 26th, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled shortly after the closing date.
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.
Locations
Wageningen
Professional field
PhD & EngD
Educational level
Masters degree
Apply before
27-10-2026
Salary range
€3204 - €4051
Hours
38 - 38