PhD scholarship in Sustainable Photochemical PFAS Destruction DTU Sustain

If you are eager to advance sustainable water treatment technologies and contribute to solving one of the worlds most persistent environmental challenges this position is for you.

At DTU Sustain you will work at the forefront of environmentalengineering and photochemical technology developing innovative solutions for the degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). You will gain hands-on experience with advanced analytical tools reactor design and reaction kineticsskills that will prepare you for a future career in academia research or the water industry.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to advance the development of a sustainable photochemical reduction process for PFAS mineralization usinga green reducing agent. You will work in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary research teamin Water Technology and Processes sectionat DTU Sustain combining environmentalengineering photochemistry electrochemistry and process optimization to achieve safer and more efficient PFAS destruction.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Design and conduct laboratory-scale UV photochemical experiments
• Investigate the photochemistry and reaction kinetics of novelreducing agents
• Evaluate PFAS degradation pathways defluorination efficiency and byproduct formation
• Optimize operating parameters to enhance process performance and robustness
• Integrate the developed process with existing PFAS treatment technologies
• Analyze samples using advanced chemical and spectroscopic techniques (e.g. LC-MS IC TOC)
• Disseminate findings through scientific publications and conference presentations

We are looking for a candidate who have a strong experimental background in water treatment photochemistry or chemical reaction engineering. Experience with analytical chemistry techniques for contaminant detecting and quantification is essential. A good command of both written and spoken English is required along with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary research team.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Yifeng Zhangand the project teambased on qualifications relevant experience and motivation for the project.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research education innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected starting date is 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Yifeng Zhang () - can read more about DTU Sustain at :// you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than30 December 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply please open the link Apply now fill out the online application form and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• 1-2 recommendation letters from experts in the field

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age gender disability race religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology which is subject to special rules for security and export control open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Sustain - Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering - is one of the largest university departments specializing in environmental and resource engineering in Europe. The department conducts research development & scientific advice and provides educational programs and service to are working to develop new environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies methods and solutions and to disseminate this knowledge to society and future generations of Department has approximately 300 staff from more than 30 nationalities.

Water Technology and Processes (WTP) Section
WTP focuses on greener and circular solutions for managing water and residual resources across urban industrial and agricultural settings. Research covers the full water continuum from source water to wastewater and includes micropollutant removal advanced materials and membranes environmental biotechnology and holistic assessment of water technologies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.