About the Role
The Department of Multiscale Environmental Process Engineering at the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA) at the University of Stuttgart is delighted to announce an open PhD position for an enthusiastic researcher who will work on:
“Sustainable Reuse of Stormwater and Treated Wastewater”
The researcher will have access to full-scale rainwater management and treated wastewater retention and polishing ponds at ISWA, field kits, and advanced laboratories. This research supports the Department of Multiscale Environmental Systems Modelling’s broader ambition of enabling data-driven, dynamic management of the urban water cycle to reduce direct and indirect environmental impacts in a changing climate.
Ihr Aufgabenbereich
During periods of hot and dry weather, urban water supplies are under pressure. Reduced availability of drinking water coincides with rising water demand in cities, as green spaces are irrigated for maintenance and to support urban cooling. In principle, irrigation demand could be met using alternative sources such as harvested stormwater or treated wastewater, but significant uncertainties remain regarding associated risks and practical feasibility.
The researcher will implement a monitoring scheme for water quantity and quality in stormwater capture basins and treated wastewater polishing ponds. Real-time sensor measurements of standard water quality parameters will be combined with targeted event-based sampling for more detailed laboratory analysis. Both chemical and microbial hazards will be comprehensively characterized to assess the suitability of captured stormwater and treated wastewater for irrigation of urban green spaces.
The resulting water quality data will be integrated into a multi-criteria analysis to evaluate the practicality of replacing drinking water with these alternative water sources for the irrigation of urban green spaces.
The position provides the opportunity for the candidate to be creative and innovative, and to work on a challenging topic that combines various fields within environmental engineering.
Ihr Profil
Ideal candidates should have a solid background in engineering or the natural sciences and a keen interest in environmental protection. Applicants must have the ability to work independently and in a team, have excellent management and communication skills and should be highly motivated and committed to pursuing interdisciplinary research. Very good computer skills are necessary. In addition to English, German is desirable for collaboration with other staff at ISWA.