Internship*: Researcher socioeconomic factors by (re)use of WWTP effluents

Do you want to make a difference in the world and work on real life projects in an international environment? The CEW does applied research in the field of watertechnology, in cooperation
with companies and universities (of applied science). You’ll become part of a motivated team of professionals and students. Together, you’ll devise, research and test your innovative solutions to the increasing worldwide problems around climate, environment, water and food.

We’re looking for a Bachelor or Master student of environmental sciences, water- or environmental management, who’s interested in a research project in the field of water and socioeconomic factors that influence the (re)use of water. Your role in this project is to research which norms and perceptions exist with regard to water quality, when talking about the use of effluent for process water (industry) and irrigation water (agriculture) and infiltration (groundwater supplementation).

Your profile

• You study environmental sciences, water- or environmental management and have affi nity with topics related to water.
• You are organized and can structure your work well.
• You work independently.
• You are open to receive feedback.
• You are committed to the project.
• You have good analytical skills (data processing and interpretation.
• You have good communication skills, both oral and in writing.

Your responsibilities

• Conduct your research through literature research, surveys and in-depth interviews with various stakeholders.
• Process and interpret the results.
• Write a report on the perception of (potential) users about the use of wastewater

About the project

You’ll work on the project “Eflluent for Ecology and Economy”. The project focuses on guaranteeing the availability of clean ground- and surfacewater for the production of drinking water, industry and agriculture through reuse of purifi ed sewage water (effl uent). This is because climate change and pollution keep adding pressure on these water sources. The social benefits of the extensive purification and reuse of effluent are multifaceted, both ecological as economical, but strongly depend on location specific situations. Choices regarding reuse demand a careful and integral consideration of differing interests, costs and benefits.

The goal of this project is to explore socioeconomic factors that lead to socially responsible choices regarding the (re)use of RWZI-effluents for ecology and economy in location specific situations. With the aim to develop a decision-making framework that provides water authorities and drinkwater companies a rational basis for the social accountability of choices regarding the destination of (extra purified) effluent.

We offer you a suitable (graduation) internship, an international team, social relevance, space for your own initiative and personal development and a chance to expand your professional network. Our office is located at the WaterCampus, Oostergoweg 9 in Leeuwarden. Here, you will do an internship in a team of permanent employees and a constantly changing group of (ten to twenty (international)) students.

In short: are you someone who has an affinity with water and research, good communication skills, who works in a structured manner and can plan well, and do you like working both independently and together?

Enthusiastic? Send an email to studenten@cew.nl with the subject ‘Internship placement’ or ‘Graduation placement’ and tell us why you want to do an internship or graduate at the CEW. For more information, please contact Maarten Trilsbeek on telephone number +31 58 210 09 19.