🌟 Project Overview

This MSc internship opportunity at Wetsus – European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden 🇳🇱 offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research in circular economy, nutrient recovery and sustainable wastewater engineering. The project focuses on thermophilic (55°C) anaerobic treatment of concentrated blackwater — a promising method for producing biogas, eliminating pathogens and recovering essential nutrients (C, N, P, K) for agricultural reuse. Building on results from the H2020 Run4Life project, the goal is to optimize operating conditions for (hyper)thermophilic treatment at higher loading rates and shorter retention times, while developing separate CNPK nutrient streams for biofertilizer production. This is a hands-on, highly technical internship perfect for ambitious MSc students in environmental engineering, biotechnology or related fields.

📍 Location

Leeuwarden, Netherlands 🇳🇱

📅 Activity Dates

02/02/2026 – 31/08/2026
(Duration: approx. 6 months)

⏳ Application Deadline

05/01/2026

🌍 Eligible Candidates

MSc students currently studying in the Netherlands or holding citizenship from an EU country.

💼 Internship Tasks

🔬 Operation of thermophilic anaerobic reactors
🧪 Wastewater quality analysis (ICP-OES, TOC analyzer, ion chromatography, digestion, Hach kits)
📊 Data processing, monitoring and performance evaluation
🌱 Contribution to research on nutrient valorisation and sustainable circular solutions

👤 Candidate Profile

🎓 Currently enrolled in a Master’s program
🌿 Background in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology or related fields
🧫 Strong practical laboratory/experimental skills
🗣️ Good communication skills in English
🇪🇺 Based in the Netherlands or holds EU citizenship

💶 Compensation

Wetsus internship allowance: €425/month
Students with Erasmus+ or other grants lower than €425 may receive a top-up supplement to reach the maximum allowance.

🎓 What You Will Gain

🌍 Experience at a leading European water technology institute
🧠 Work in a multidisciplinary, international research environment
♻️ Contribute to sustainable and circular economy solutions
🚀 Opportunity to expand expertise in anaerobic digestion, thermophilic systems and nutrient recovery

✉️ Application Email

melissa.mativo@wetsus.nl
(Submit CV + motivation letter + list of attended courses)

⚠️ Important Notice

1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.