Project Background: Waterborne disease is estimated to cause more than 2.2 million deaths worldwide every year, translating into thousands of illness cases each day, including diarrhea, gastrointestinal diseases and systemic illnesses. In Norway two big outbreaks of gastrointestinal infections caused by drinking water have been registered since 2000, the Giardia outbreak in Bergen in 2004 that caused 6000 infections, and the Campolybacter outbreak in Røros in 2007 that caused 1500 infections. Additionally, another 28 “smaller” outbreaks events occurred between 2003-2012 with a registered total of 8060 infections. Currently, the implemented methodology to assess microbial water quality consists of periodically manual sampling, followed by 24-48h laboratory testing (culture-based methods). Thus, there is only a limited representation of the water quality at a given point in time. The water is already consumed when the test results are available. Our innovation consists in developing a compact infield system that can quantify in near-real-time low levels of potentially dangerous bacteria in water distribution systems.
Information about the position
The PhD candidate will be employed by Aqua Alarm AS with a 3 years contract. The position is funded by the Nærings PhD program (Research Council of Norway) and Aqua Alarm AS (https://aquaalarm.net/). Upon confirmation from the Nærings PhD program, the position will be associated to PhD program in a Applied Micro-and Nanosystems at the Department of Microsystems (IMS), University of South-Eastern Norway-USN.
The candidate's research will contribute to improve routines for water quality monitoring by developing a quick alarm system on contamination events to decrease monitoring costs to water suppliers by reducing the number of manual samples required. The project may involve microbiology analysis, fluorescence bioassay development, sensor design and fabrication, signal processing and data analysis.
*What is a Nærings PhD?: https://www.forskningsradet.no/en/apply-for-funding/funding-from-the-research-council/industrial-ph.d.-scheme--doctoral-projects-in-industry/
Qualifications
· Applicants must have a master's degree in one of the following topics: bioengineering, biochemical engineering or related, applied micro/nanotechnologies, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering (or similar).
· Applicants with experience in CAD design (i.e. Solidworks), microfabrication, biological/chemical sensing technology, optoelectronic, fluidic system or system automation will be prioritized.
· Minimum transcript requirements: average ECTS grade C in Bachelor study, average ECTS grade B in Master Study, master´s thesis ECTS B.
· Applicants who do not master a Scandinavian language must provide evidence of good English language skills, written and spoken.
· The applicant must have finished the master’s degree before the starting date of the position. Applicants with experience in academic publications, either or both international journal articles and international conference articles is a plus.
· The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realize common objectives.
We offer
- A professional and stimulating R&D environment.
- Good opportunities to develop your professional and academic career.
- Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan.
Salary
The Nærings PhD position: NOK ? 465 000-480 000 a year. A statutory contribution will be made from the employee’s salary to the state pension plan.
Additional information
Aqua Alarm board is responsible for the selection of Nærings PhD candidate. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews, and the final decision will be taken afterward.
The applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply to the position.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.
How to apply
We request the applicants to include the following in the application (In addition to the applications text):
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Transcripts/academic results according to CV
List of scientific publications (if any)
Summary of master’ thesis
Preliminary Project description within 5 pages (if possible)
Adresse: Forskningsparken, Raveien 205,3184 Borre
