We are Austria’s largest research and technology organisation and an international player in applied research for innovative infrastructure solutions. This makes us a powerful development partner for industry and a top employer in the scientific community. Our Center for Health & Bioresources in Tulln (in immediate vicity to Vienna) invites applications for a:

 

Master Thesis "Column experiments on surfactant enhanced anaerobic microbial degradation of perchloroethene"

 

IMAGINE

 

• In the past, by industrial and commercial activities (dry cleaning, metal processing industry), chlorinated ethenes such as perchloroethene (PCE), which is toxic to humans and the environment, entered the groundwater.

• Since each contaminated site has individual characteristic properties (e.g. (hydro)geology, mixture of contaminants, architecture of contaminant source), tailor-made remediation concepts need to be developed.

• In the context of your master thesis, you will work together with our colleagues on an ongoing research project, which focuses on the anaerobic microbial degradation of PCE in the groundwater in combination with surfactants.

 

ENGAGE

• In order to deal with this complex topic, you will carry out an appropriate literature search.

• You will support our colleagues in conducting preliminary experiments on the anaerobic microbial degradation of PCE in flow-through columns under anaerobic conditions.

• Under the guidance of our team, you will build the experimental setup and perform column experiments on the surfactant enhanced anaerobic microbial degradation of PCE.

• Your activities will also include regular sampling and analysis of samples using gas chromatographs (GC) and ion chromatographs (IC) - Hereby you will ensure that you document your results and that you prepare evaluation concepts.

 

ACHIEVE

• Based on the results of your work, you contribute to an ongoing research project in which the investigated method is going to be tested in a field trial.

• You will broaden and deepen your skills in conducting practical experiments and in analytical methods.

• You will train scientific work and have the opportunity to discuss your work experience with scientific experts.

 

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Ongoing master's degree in biology, chemistry, geology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or related field

• Knowledge in working with gas chromatographs (GC) and ion chromatographs (IC) is an advantage

• Knowledge in the field of microbiology is an advantage

• Accuracy in the laboratory and in the field of documentation

• Ability to work in a team, good communication skills and a sense of responsibility

• Result-oriented work

• Good language English skills in spoken and written, German skills would be an advantage, but not mandatory

 

What to expect: EUR 828,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement, for a period of 6 months. There will be additional company benefits. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of master theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly!

 

At AIT, the promotion of diversity is important to us - that's why we are especially looking forward to applications from ambitious female candidates.

TOMORROW TODAY – WITH YOU?