About the Internship
Are you passionate about sustainability, environmental technology, and circular economy solutions? ๐๐ก
Join Wetsus, the European Center of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, and take part in an exciting MSc-level research internship focused on optimizing thermophilic blackwater treatment for biofertilizer and energy recovery.
This project continues the pioneering work of the H2020 Run4Life project, aiming to improve the stability and performance of anaerobic blackwater treatment under thermophilic and hyperthermophilic conditions. By exploring innovative ways to recover carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from wastewater, youโll directly contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
๐ Internship Period: 2 February 2026 โ 31 August 2026
๐ Location: Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
๐ข Host Organisation: Wetsus, European Center of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology
๐ Commitment: Full-time (6 months)
๐ Internship Focus
๐ง Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology
โป๏ธ Wastewater Treatment & Nutrient Recovery
โ๏ธ Anaerobic Digestion Processes
๐พ Circular Economy & Sustainable Fertilizer Production
๐ฌ Your Role
As an MSc intern, you will take an active role in cutting-edge experimental work, including:
๐งช Operating thermophilic anaerobic reactors (55ยฐC)
๐ Conducting wastewater quality analysis using advanced techniques (ICP-OES, TOC analyzer, Ion chromatography, Hach Lange kits)
๐ Analyzing data and optimizing system parameters for nutrient recovery
๐ฟ Contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural nutrient sources
๐ Profile of the Candidate
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Currently enrolled in a Masterโs program in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, or related fields
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Strong laboratory and experimental skills
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Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Proficient in English (C1 level)
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Currently studying in the Netherlands or holds EU citizenship
๐ผ Whatโs Offered
๐ Work in a multidisciplinary, international research environment
๐ฌ Supervised training in advanced water technology and sustainability
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Duration: 5โ6 months (starting February 2026 or later)
๐ฐ Allowance: up to โฌ425/month (students with Erasmus+ grants under โฌ425/month may receive a top-up)
๐งญ Application Information
๐ Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
๐ Application Link: https://www.wetsus.nl (check internship section)
๐ง Contact: melissa.mativo@wetsus.nl
Required documents:
โข CV (max. 2 pages)
โข Motivation Letter (max. 1 page)
โข List of attended Masterโs courses





