Dr. Imran Ahmad

Postdoctoral Researcher

Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology

2025 – Present

• Designing closed and Open photobioreactor systems for microalgal bioremediation and biomass production. Investigating microalgae–bacteria symbiosis to enhance nutrient removal, carbon uptake, and system stability in wastewater treatment processes. Assessing the treatment potential of High-Rate Algal Ponds (HRAPs) for the removal and biodegradation of emerging contaminants from municipal and industrial effluents. Simulating and analyzing hydrodynamic characteristics within HRAPs to optimize mixing efficiency, light distribution, and overall reactor performance.

Bioprocess Technical Officer

PhyEcoSyS

2025

• Designing and developing algae-based technologies for carbon sequestration and wastewater treatment. Optimising photobioreactors and integrated treatment systems to enhance algal productivity and environmental sustainability. Contributing to circular economy models by utilising algal biotechnology for resource recovery and creating value-added bioproducts. Developing innovations that promote climate resilience and sustainable water management through bioremediation strategies.

Bioprocess Engineer & Scientific Consultant

ProalgaeTech

2024 – 2025

• Design and consultancy services for pond systems suitable for microalgae-based wastewater treatment, tailored to site-specific conditions. Providing technical expertise in the development, monitoring, and optimization of algae cultivation systems, ensuring compliance with relevant environmental and operational standards. Advising on algae strain selection, system efficiency, carbon capture optimization, and integration with existing wastewater treatment infrastructure. Periodic review and modification of system designs based on ongoing operational feedback, changes in regulatory requirements, or advancements in technology. Engaging with collaborators and industry partners to advance research initiatives, facilitating discussions and contributing to writing grant proposals to secure funding for innovative algal biotechnology projects.

Research Scientist & Plant Operations Manager

Liquid Trees

2023 – 2024

• Installation and operation of Solar System-20 KVA Off-grid Rooftop Solar Power Plant. Working with Academia people to stabilise the Startup. Design, construction, operation, & maintenance of High-Rate Algal Ponds (HRAPs) [capacity-400,000 litres]. Algal Cultivation and Scaling-up. Operation & Maintenance of Filtration System. Design & Construction of a cost-effective trash removal system for Hindon River (trash for trash).

Research Associate

PAVITR (HORIZON 2020 Indo-Euro Water Technology Programme)

2023

• Design, Implementation, & Monitoring of Pilot Plant comprising High-Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) at the project site. Assisting PG students with journal paper writing. Writing Research Proposals. Assisting five PG students with Dissertation writing. Organizing International/National Conferences/Seminars. Invigilation and other Examination portfolios.

Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering (Head of Department)

Aligarh College of Engineering and Technology

2015 – 2016

• Ensure seamless department operations, such as teaching, timetable, and examinations. Essential in recruiting and supervising teaching and non-teaching staff for the department. Established all the laboratories in the curriculum of Civil Engineering at the U.G. level. Provided expertise as an Advisor on lab infra-related purchases (Procurement In-charge). Established an internal monitoring system for conducting fair examinations. Established a particular cell for the counselling and motivation of the weaker students. Appointed as Paper Setter by Integral University, Lucknow, India.

Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering (Head of Department)

Vivekananda College of Technology & Management

2008 – 2015

• Essential in recruiting and supervising teaching and non-teaching staff for the department. Recruited the faculty as the Head of the Department (Civil Engineering). Received Best Teacher Award. Established over fifteen laboratories for the department at the U.G. level. Part of the AICTE team and Board Member facilitating State-level exams conducted by Uttar Pradesh Technical University (UPTU). Nominated by UPTU as an External Examiner. Several students from the batches are recruited in the public sector. Led the Disciplinary Committee, ensuring adherence to institutional regulations and professionally handling student disciplinary matters.

Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering

Aligarh College of Engineering & Management

2008

• Teaching UG Courses. Guiding UG Projects. Provided hands-on guidance to undergraduate students in conducting laboratory experiments. Timetable and Examination in charge. Led the Disciplinary Committee.

PhD in Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Engineering

Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, U.T.M, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2023

M.Phil. in Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Engineering

Razak Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, U.T.M, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2019

MTech. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering)

Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, A.M.U. Aligarh, India

2007

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering

ZHCET, A.M.U. Aligarh, India

2004

SSSC

A.M.U Aligarh

2000

High School

S.T. High School, A.M.U., Aligarh

1998

PhD in Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Engineering

Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, U.T.M, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

M.Phil. in Wastewater Treatment, Environmental Engineering

Razak Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, U.T.M, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MTech. in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering)

Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, A.M.U. Aligarh, India

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering

ZHCET, A.M.U. Aligarh, India