Engineering Doctorate (EngD), Waste Water Treatment of the Future
From energy-neutral operations to resource recovery — the next generation of wastewater treatment is here. Be part of the shift toward smarter, cleaner systems
Job description
Are you passionate about creating smart, sustanable water systems? Join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of different Dutch Waterauthorities and TU Delft and help design the wastewater treatment plant of the future. Different sewage treatment technologies can be combined to achieve the most optimal process scheme for climate neutral wastewater treatment, maximum resource recovery, and excellent treated water quality, ready for reuse. The question is how effective these combinations of technologies will be in practice. We challenge you to quantitavely analyse these complex wastewater treatment processes, with an open mind for innovation and a keen eye for practical applicability and design the most optimal treatment plant of the future.
As an EngD candidate, you have a strong affinity with modeling water treatment processes, understand the basic principles of both biological and physico-chemical treatment techniques, and can translate this knowledge into insightful computational models. Rather than adhering to traditional methods, you are eager to contribute to exploring alternative pathways for the treatment of the future — pathways centered around innovative combinations of technologies.
Job requirements
You are a curious and pragmatic engineer who thrives in complex environments and wants to make a real-world impact.
You bring:
- A completed MSc in Environmental Technology, Chemical or Civil Engineering, Water Technology, or a related field
- A solid understanding of biological wastewater treatment (e.g. nutrient removal)
- Interest in — or experience with — advanced physico-chemical techniques (e.g. ozonation, activated carbon, membrane filtration)
- Affinity with process modeling and simulation tools, or the ambition to develop these skills
- Strong analytical and communication skills — able to explain complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
- A collaborative mindset and a hands-on approach
Bonus points if you:
- Have experience with modeling tools (e.g. SUMO, WEST, GPS-X) or programming (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
- Are familiar with European water policy and regulation
- Speak Dutch (not required)
- Can demonstrate English proficiency*
*If English is not your first language and your MSc degree was not obtained in English, please include a valid TOEFL (≥100) or IELTS (≥7.0) certificate (not older than 2 years).
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.
Conditions of employment
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A full-time, 2-year contract, with a go/no-go evaluation after the first year.
- A job of 38 hours per week.
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A gross monthly salary starting at €2,901 in year one, increasing to €3,378 in year two (scale TOIO+, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities), based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
- Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible working week.
- Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Merle de Kreuk, via M.K.deKreuk@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 18 July 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
You can address your application to Merle de Kreuk. This position offers a unique opportunity to pursue an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) degree in a real-world context. You will study at TU Delft for approximately two days per week and apply your knowledge in a hands-on project three days per week.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.