Pilot-scale technologies for sustainable sludge management and contaminant removal

Biosolids management is a major challenge for the wastewater industry due to the large quantities of sludge produced, high treatment and disposal costs, and increasing requirements for biosolids quality and contaminant management. 

This PhD project will develop and demonstrate innovative sludge treatment technologies to enable more sustainable and cost-effective biosolids management.

The research will focus strongly on pilot-scale process development and demonstration, with the overarching objectives of reducing sludge production, improving sludge stabilisation and dewaterability, enhancing biosolids quality, increasing resource and energy recovery, and reducing emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

A major component of the project will involve the design, construction, optimisation, and long-term operation of pilot-scale treatment systems using real wastewater sludge. You will investigate process performance, operational stability, sludge reduction and quality improvement, contaminant fate and removal, and mechanisms governing process performance.

This is a National Industry PhD project conducted in close partnership with Urban Utilities. A substantial component of the research will be undertaken at Urban Utilities' wastewater treatment and innovation facilities, where you will work alongside university researchers, engineers, operators, and other industry professionals. The project therefore provides a unique opportunity to translate fundamental research into technologies that can be implemented at full-scale wastewater treatment plants.

You should have a strong interest in hands-on experimental research, pilot-scale process operation, and industry-oriented research. Applicants with previous experience in designing, constructing, commissioning, troubleshooting or operating laboratory- or pilot-scale reactors are particularly encouraged to apply.

The scholarship is offered under the National Industry PhD Program, providing you with both academic research training and substantial exposure to industrial research and real-world engineering practice.
 

You will join the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, and work within a multidisciplinary research environment spanning environmental biotechnology, wastewater treatment, sludge management and resource recovery.

A distinctive feature of this PhD is its strong integration with industry. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with Urban Utilities, one of Australia's major water utilities and a long-term research partner of UQ. ACWEB and Urban Utilities have collaborated for more than two decades on industry-focused research covering wastewater treatment, sludge management, resource recovery and greenhouse gas mitigation.

A significant proportion of the experimental work will be undertaken at Urban Utilities' wastewater treatment and innovation facilities, where pilot-scale systems can be operated using real wastewater and sludge under realistic treatment conditions. You will have opportunities to work directly with process engineers, operators, researchers and technical specialists during pilot design, construction, commissioning, operation and optimisation.

You will therefore work across both academic and industrial research environments, gaining experience in fundamental research, process engineering, pilot-scale technology demonstration and technology translation.

Access to UQ's analytical and laboratory facilities, together with Urban Utilities' pilot infrastructure, operational expertise and full-scale wastewater treatment environment, will provide a strong platform for conducting high-impact and industry-relevant research.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, anaerobic or aerobic digestion, environmental biotechnology, or resource recovery would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of environmental engineering, chemical engineering, environmental biotechnology, wastewater treatment, or a closely related discipline and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of wastewater and sludge treatment, environmental biotechnology, and the design, construction or operation of laboratory- or pilot-scale treatment systems is highly desirable.

We are looking for a hands-on PhD candidate who is enthusiastic about building and operating pilot-scale treatment systems and translating research outcomes into real-world wastewater industry applications.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 21 October, 2026 21 October, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Professor Shihu Hu (s.hu@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: CONTAMINANT-HU
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/pilot-scale-technologies-sustainable-sludge-management-and-contaminant-removal

Submit an EOI