PhD topics in WERA
The following PhD topics are available, which are explained in more detail by clicking on the topics (on rptu.de/wera):
In Chemistry:A3: Development of a flow process for P removal from wastewater using polymeric adsorbersSupervisor: Prof. Stefan Kubik
In Process Engineering:B1: Thermodynamic modeling of the recovery of phosphorus from wastewaterSupervisor: Prof. Fabian Jirasek
B4: Investigation of precipitation and crystallization processes in phosphorus recovery using experimental and numerical methods Supervisor: Prof. Sergiy Antonyuk
C2: Experimental investigation and modeling of an adsorption/desorption process for the separation of P from wastewaterSupervisor: Prof. Erik von Harbou
In Wastewater Engineering:D1: Adsorption and ion-exchange for combined phosphorus elimination and recoverySupervisor: Prof. Heidrun Steinmetz
D3: Iron removal and recovery from sewage sludge using zeolites and integrated resource recoverySupervisor: Jun.-Prof. Carlo Morandi
Your profile
Prerequisite for the PhD position is an Master's degree (or equivalent) in engineering, chemistry or physics. Further requirements can be found in the links for the respective doctoral topics.
Your benefits
PhD study in WERA takes 4 years in a close cooperation between PhD students and interdisciplinary professors team. WERA’s study concept includes summer schools, keynote lectures given by internationally renowned scientists, topic-specific courses and interdisciplinary workshops as well as offers for visit of international research institutes. Due to a comprehensive scientific education of WERA you will obtain a highly qualified expertise in the promising fields of resource recovery and environmental technology.
Your application
Please send by 31.01.2026 complete application documents:
Letter of motivation that prioritizes one of the PhD topics of WERA
Curriculum Vitae
Copy of your degree certificate (Bachelor, Master or equivalent) with full academic transcripts
directly to the supervisors of PhD topics (contact see rptu.de/wera/team). You can contact the spokesperson Prof. Sergiy Antonyuk (sergiy.antonyuk@mv.rptu.de) for general questions about PhD Graduate School.
About RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau
The RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is the technical university of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate with over 20,000 students, more than 300 professors and around 160 degree programmes. As a place of top-level international research, it offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities. Those who study, research or work at RPTU experience a welcoming and globally-oriented environment and shape the future.
The PhD Graduate School GRK 2908 is supported financially by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with funds from the German states and the federal government of Germany.