EPSRC Studentship in Civil Engineering

Rational identification and evaluation of priority chemicals

Reference Code: CI626

Closing Date: 21st June 2013

Details:

Name of supervisors
Dr Russell Davenport, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciecnes

Dr Wojciech Mrozik, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciecnes

Dr David Werner, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciecnes

Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Duration of the award
3.5 years

Project description
A key challenge in mitigating detrimental risks from micropollutants in water is to identify and prioritise of those chemicals that are most important for the protection of environmental and human health. There is often great disparity in the priority lists of chemicals generated from modelling and monitoring data. We are interested in determining how prioritisation using fugacity-type level III models differs from other recent modelling and monitoring efforts for the current UK and European context. In particular, we wish to address a robust method for evaluating chemical emission data and biotransformation data which represent the most sensitive parameters on model outputs.

Value of the award and eligibility
This award is available to candidates who meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013-14).

Person specification
Candidates must have a good class honours first degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental or Computing Sciences. The candidate should be numerate, highly computer literate and familiar with mass-balance models and database searching/manipulation. An understanding of chemistry and environmental fate is also preferable. Some analytical laboratory experience is also desirable but not essential. The candidate must be able to confidently work independently and also able to work as part of a larger team. Most of all, the candidate should demonstrate passion for the science of assessing the risks posed by chemicals that can provide benefits in a modern sustainable world.

How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CI626 and selecting ‘PhD school of Civil Engineering and Geosciences’ as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed, plus a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CI626 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

You should also send your covering letter and CV to Dr Russell Davenport at russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk.

Further information
For further information, please contact:
Dr Russell Davenport
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
E-mail: russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk