Wageningen University & Research is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Netherlands for a researcher interested in sustainable wastewater treatment, biological nitrogen removal and greenhouse gas emissions. The PhD will focus on understanding how nitrous oxide (N₂O) is produced during deammonification and developing practical approaches to reduce these emissions.

The research is part of the UNITED project, which stands for Understanding and Narrowing Impacts of Targeted N₂O Emissions in Deammonification. The project brings together Environmental Technology researchers at Wageningen University & Research with organizations from the water sector, including technology providers, water authorities and companies. The central question is both scientific and practical: how can we better understand N₂O production in deammonification reactors and use that knowledge to make wastewater treatment more climate-friendly?

This PhD opportunity is particularly relevant to graduates with backgrounds in environmental sciences, water technology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biobased sciences or related fields. Candidates with practical experience in biological nitrogen removal, laboratory experiments, bioreactors and data analysis are encouraged to apply.

Why N₂O Emissions Are Important for Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment is essential for protecting water quality, but the treatment process itself can generate greenhouse gas emissions. Among these, nitrous oxide is particularly important because of its substantial impact on the overall carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants.

Deammonification technologies are attractive because they can remove nitrogen from wastewater with lower energy requirements than conventional biological nitrogen removal processes. However, N₂O emissions can reduce some of the climate benefits associated with these technologies. For the Dutch water sector, reducing these emissions is especially important as water authorities work toward climate neutrality by 2035.

The UNITED project is designed to address this challenge by investigating the biological and operational mechanisms responsible for N₂O production. By understanding when and why N₂O is generated, researchers can identify ways to reduce emissions while maintaining effective nitrogen removal.

The research therefore combines fundamental environmental biotechnology with real-world process engineering. This makes the PhD relevant not only to academic research but also to the future development of sustainable wastewater treatment technologies.

About the UNITED PhD Research Project

The UNITED project brings together scientific researchers and stakeholders from the water sector to investigate N₂O emissions from deammonification reactors. The PhD researcher will work with both laboratory-scale bioreactors and data from full-scale wastewater treatment systems in the Netherlands. This combination provides an opportunity to study N₂O production from different perspectives, from fundamental biological mechanisms to the conditions encountered in operating treatment plants.

An important part of the research will be investigating how the availability of electron donors and electron acceptors affects N₂O production. These factors can influence microbial activity and nitrogen conversion pathways, making them important when developing strategies for emission reduction.

The research will also examine the composition of rejection water that is typically treated in deammonification reactors. Understanding how this composition varies can help explain differences in N₂O production between treatment systems and operating conditions. Ultimately, the project aims to turn this knowledge into effective mitigation measures that can be tested under full-scale conditions.

What Will You Do During the PhD?

The successful candidate will conduct experimental research to understand the different pathways through which N₂O is produced in deammonification reactors. Bioreactor experiments will be designed to provide fundamental insights into N₂O production under conditions that are relevant to wastewater treatment practice.

Alongside the laboratory research, you will analyze N₂O production data collected from several full-scale deammonification reactors at wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands. This will involve examining reactor performance and studying the composition and variation of rejection water entering these systems.

A key objective will be to connect the experimental findings with observations from full-scale treatment plants. This can help identify which conditions are associated with increased N₂O production and which operational strategies may help limit emissions.

The PhD will also involve the development and testing of N₂O mitigation measures in a full-scale deammonification reactor. This practical component gives the research a direct connection to the water sector and allows promising strategies to be evaluated beyond the laboratory.

Communication will be another important part of the position. You will work with partners inside and outside the UNITED consortium and communicate research findings to people with different scientific and professional backgrounds. Your results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Who Is Eligible for This PhD?

Applicants should have a successfully completed MSc degree in environmental sciences, water technology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biobased sciences or a closely related discipline. The position is aimed at candidates who enjoy combining experimental research with data analysis and practical process engineering. Previous experience with laboratory and bioreactor experiments is important, particularly experience related to biological nitrogen removal and water treatment.

Hands-on experience with experimental methods for biological nitrogen removal and characterization will be highly relevant to the project. Candidates should also have proven data analysis skills and be able to interpret experimental results in a meaningful scientific and engineering context. The ability to connect fundamental scientific knowledge with applied process engineering is particularly important. The research moves between laboratory experiments, full-scale wastewater treatment systems and collaboration with organizations in the water sector.

Skills and Personal Qualities

The PhD requires more than technical research skills. You should be a proactive communicator who enjoys working with people from different organizations and professional backgrounds. The project involves interaction with researchers, water authorities, technology providers and other stakeholders, so the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly is important.

You should also be comfortable switching between detailed scientific discussions and broader questions about the relevance of your research to wastewater treatment. Independence, curiosity and a collaborative attitude will be valuable throughout the PhD. Because the project combines fundamental research with practical applications, candidates should be interested in understanding both the scientific mechanisms behind N₂O emissions and the engineering challenges involved in reducing them.

English Language Requirement

Strong written and spoken English is required for the position. The expected level is C1 English proficiency. In some circumstances, applicants may need to provide an internationally recognized certificate demonstrating their English-language ability.

A good command of the Dutch language is considered an advantage. This can be particularly useful when working with organizations and stakeholders in the Dutch water sector, although Dutch is not listed as a mandatory requirement for the position.

Starting Date

The successful candidate is expected to start the PhD on December 1, 2026. Applicants should ensure that they are available to begin the research project on this date.

Salary and Funding

This is a fully funded PhD position with a full-time working week of 38 hours. The gross monthly salary is approximately €3,059 during the first year, increasing to approximately €3,881 during the fourth year under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU), scale P.

The initial employment contract is for 18 months and will be extended for the duration of the project subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the salary, the position includes a tailored PhD course and training programme designed around the needs of the researcher and the research team.

Benefits at Wageningen University & Research

The position comes with a range of employment benefits under the Dutch university employment system. These include partially paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance, access to sports facilities on campus for a small fee, an 8.3% fixed year-end bonus, and an excellent pension scheme.

Wageningen University & Research also places emphasis on professional development and internal mobility. The PhD training programme provides an opportunity to develop research skills while building broader academic and professional competencies.

Working at Wageningen University & Research

The PhD researcher will be based at Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Wageningen is internationally recognized for research and education in life sciences, environmental science, agriculture, food and sustainable living environments. Its research approach brings together multiple disciplines to address complex environmental and societal challenges.

This interdisciplinary environment is particularly relevant to the UNITED project. Reducing N₂O emissions from wastewater treatment requires knowledge of microbial processes, environmental biotechnology, chemistry, reactor technology, process engineering and data analysis. The research takes place in an international and open working environment on Wageningen’s green campus.

International Applicants and Relocation Support

International candidates are welcome to apply for this PhD position. Wageningen University & Research has a large international community and provides support for employees moving to the Netherlands. A dedicated team of advisers can assist successful candidates with Dutch immigration procedures and visa applications for themselves and, where applicable, their families.

International employees can also receive practical guidance related to housing, opening a bank account, schooling, dual-career programmes and other aspects of relocating to the Netherlands. The university’s Welcome Center provides additional advice for international employees and their families. Depending on individual circumstances, certain categories of international employees may also be eligible for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.

Application Requirements

The application process is designed to be concise. Applicants should submit a complete and up-to-date CV of no more than two pages and a motivation letter of no more than one page. Together, these documents must not exceed three pages. Academic grades and transcripts are not required at this stage.

In addition to the CV and motivation letter, applicants must complete a mandatory additional information form. The form is intended to provide a broader overview of your qualifications and help assess your suitability for the project. The form is titled “PhD position in Understanding and Decreasing N2O emissions in Deammonification – Form.”

How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Because the motivation letter is limited to one page, every paragraph should contribute something relevant to your application. Start by explaining your interest in sustainable wastewater treatment and N₂O reduction. Then connect that interest to your academic background and practical research experience. Candidates with experience in biological nitrogen removal, wastewater treatment or bioreactor experiments should describe the techniques and research questions they have worked with rather than simply listing them.

Data analysis experience is also worth emphasizing, especially if you have worked with experimental datasets, environmental measurements, reactor data or statistical analysis. The project also has a strong applied dimension. Your motivation letter should therefore show that you are interested not only in fundamental biological mechanisms but also in how research can be translated into practical improvements in wastewater treatment. A strong application should create a clear connection between your academic background, experimental experience, data analysis skills and interest in climate-friendly water treatment.

Application, Deadline and Interview Date

The application deadline is October 5, 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for October 15, 2026.

Applicants should prepare their CV, motivation letter and PhD position in Understanding and Decreasing N2O emissions in Deammonification – Form in advance so that the complete application can be submitted before the deadline: Apply now via https://www.wur.nl/en/vacancy/phd-position-understanding-and-decreasing-n2o-emissions-deammonification

PhD Position at a Glance

Detail	Information
Position	PhD in Understanding and Decreasing N₂O Emissions in Deammonification
Project	UNITED
University	Wageningen University & Research
Location	Wageningen, Netherlands
Research area	Environmental Technology
Professional field	Research & Science
Degree required	Master’s degree
Funding	Fully funded
Working hours	38 hours per week
Starting date	December 1, 2026
Initial contract	18 months
Salary	€3,059/month in Year 1 to €3,881/month in Year 4
CV	Maximum 2 pages
Motivation letter	Maximum 1 page
Total application documents	Maximum 3 pages
English	C1 level
Dutch	Considered an asset
Application deadline	October 5, 2026
First interviews	October 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a fully funded PhD in the Netherlands?

Yes. This is a fully funded PhD position at Wageningen University & Research. The successful candidate receives a salary under the employment conditions for Dutch universities while completing the doctoral research project.

What is the main focus of this PhD?

The PhD focuses on understanding and reducing nitrous oxide emissions from deammonification reactors used in wastewater treatment.

The research combines laboratory bioreactor experiments, analysis of full-scale treatment plant data and the development of practical N₂O mitigation strategies.

What is deammonification?

Deammonification is a biological nitrogen removal process used to remove ammonium from wastewater.

Compared with conventional nitrogen removal, it can reduce energy requirements and make wastewater treatment more efficient. However, N₂O emissions can affect its overall environmental performance, which is why understanding and controlling these emissions is important.

Why is N₂O a concern for wastewater treatment plants?

Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas.

Emissions from wastewater treatment can contribute significantly to the overall carbon footprint of treatment plants. Reducing N₂O emissions is therefore an important part of efforts to make wastewater treatment more climate-friendly.

What will I do during the PhD?

You will conduct bioreactor experiments to investigate different N₂O production pathways, analyze data from full-scale deammonification reactors and study the composition of rejection water.

You will also develop and test mitigation measures in a full-scale deammonification reactor and communicate your findings through scientific publications and conferences.

Will the research involve real wastewater treatment plants?

Yes. The project includes N₂O production data from several full-scale deammonification reactors located at wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands.

The research therefore provides experience with both laboratory-scale research and real-world wastewater treatment systems.

What educational background is required?

Applicants should have an MSc degree in environmental sciences, water technology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, biobased sciences or a closely related field.

Is experience with biological nitrogen removal required?

Hands-on experience with experimental methods related to biological nitrogen removal and characterization is an important requirement for the position.

Experience with water technology, laboratory research and bioreactor experiments is highly relevant.

Do I need data analysis experience?

Yes. Proven experience with data analysis is one of the requirements.

The research will involve analyzing experimental results and data from full-scale deammonification reactors.

Is Dutch language knowledge required?

Dutch is considered an asset rather than a mandatory requirement.

A good command of Dutch can be useful when communicating with organizations and stakeholders in the Dutch water sector.

What English level is required?

The expected English level is C1.

Some applicants may need to provide an internationally recognized certificate of English proficiency.

When does the PhD start?

The expected starting date is December 1, 2026.

What is the salary for this PhD?

The gross monthly salary starts at approximately €3,059 in the first year and rises to approximately €3,881 in the fourth year.

The position is based on a full-time 38-hour working week.

How long is the employment contract?

The initial contract is for 18 months and will be extended for the duration of the project subject to satisfactory performance.

How many pages can the application be?

The CV can be a maximum of two pages and the motivation letter can be a maximum of one page.

The total length must not exceed three pages.

Are academic transcripts required?

No. Grades and transcripts are not required during this stage of the application process.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 5, 2026.

The first interviews are scheduled for October 15, 2026.

Can international candidates apply?

Yes. International applicants are welcome and Wageningen University & Research provides support with immigration and relocation matters for international employees.