Postdoc on Biochar catalysed degradation of halogenated pollutants

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Environmental Chemistry and Physics invites applicants for a postdoc on biochar catalysed degradation of halogenated pollutants. Start 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position has a duration of 12 Months.

Biochar, the carbon material that remains after pyrolysis of a biomass, can exhibit catalytic properties, meaning it can shuttle electrons and/or radicals released from strongly reduced or oxidized materials. This process has shown great potential for fast and full degradation of chlorinated ethylenes in soil environments using composites of biochar and reduced iron materials. Biochars can also accelerate oxidative degradation processes, for example in combination with persulfate for the degradation of antibiotics.

The work of the postdoc will be associated with the ARAGORN project ( an EU soil mission project aimed at mitigating risks and restoring Europe’s contaminated soils. The tasks will include:

1. Developing and testing biochar-oxidant composites for fast and full degradation of chlorinated compounds;
2. Assessing performance of optimized reaction systems at the column scales with real contaminated soils and groundwater;
3. Comparison of performance of optimized reaction system to existing remediation technologies, including literature review and analyses of market products.

The postdoc will be responsible for activities related to both ongoing laboratory experiments and field investigations as well as teaching. The postdoc may also include performance of other duties.

The applicants should hold professional as well as personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• A PhD degree in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, or related disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of interface and redox chemistry.
• Experience with physical and chemical analyses of soils.
• Use of advanced characterisation tools for material bulk and surface characterisation.
• Analytical chemical skills.
• Competences within data management, data processing and statistical analysis.
• Good interpersonal skills, experience with collaborative work in larger multinational teams.
• Excellent English writing and speaking abilities.

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position.
• Scientific publications.
• Other professional activities.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent).
• Motivation / Research statement – description of previous/current research, your research ambitions, and how it relates to the advertised position.
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers.

The deadline for applications is 6 September 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

Contact: University of Copenhagen