MASTER THESIS „INTERACTION OF SURFACTANTS WITH MICROBIAL REDUCTIVE DECHLORINATION OF PERCHLOROETHENE“
Standort: Tulln an der Donau AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Art: Masterarbeit
Firma: AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Eingetragen am: 2021-02-11
Kontakt:
Beschreibung:

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 vicinity to Vienna) invites applications fo a:

Master Thesis „Interaction of surfactants with microbial reductive dechlorination of perchloroethene“
- Starting date: March 2021 -

IMAGINE

  • Chlorinated hydrocarbons like perchloroethene (PCE) are a major groundwater contaminant at several ten thousand sites in Europe.
  • Microbial reductive dechlorination by bacterial consortia containing the strain Dehalococcoides are a sustainable methodology to remove chlorinated hydrocarbons from the groundwater. This method, however can be further improved by combination with other remediation methods, like the application of surfactants to mobilize PCE, if it is present as pure phase
  • The main goal of this master thesis is to investigate the effects of different surfactants on the viability and dechlorination efficiency of bacterial consortia containing Dehalococcoides.

ENGAGE

  • As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will work in an applied research project aiming to develop a new remediation technology by combining application of surfactants and reductive microbial degradation.
  • We will perform batch experiments under anaerobic conditions to investigate the effects (toxicity/stimulation) of different surfactants on Dehalococcoides consortia.
  • Together with our team, you will learn how to perform batch experiments with microbes under anaerobic conditions (working with a glovebox) and chemical analysis like gas chromatography (GC) and ion chromatography (IC).

ACHIEVE

  • Your contribution shall lead to results directly applicable in a field experiment.
  • You will create synergies with our industrial partners in the project and increase the efficiency by collaboration.
  • Your results can contribute to an improved remediation technology for groundwater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner*:

  • Ongoing master’s studies in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related fields
  • Knowledge in working with microbes
  • Experience with analytical techniques (GC, IC)
  • Accuracy in laboratory work
  • Enthusiasm for scientific work
  • Interest to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate on different topics
  • Good communication skills in English both spoken and written

What to expect:
EUR 803,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement. There will be additional company benefits. You will be part of our international Young AIT network. 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 women is important to us - that's why we are especially looking forward to applications from female students!

TOMORROW TODAY - WITH YOU?
Please submit your application documents (CV, cover letter, relevant certificates) online: jobs.ait.ac.at/Job/145707

For further information, please contact:
Univ.Doz. Mag. Dr. Thomas G. Reichenauer, thomas.reichenauer@ait.ac.at

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