EPSRC Studentship in Civil Engineering

Engineering sustainable micropollutant removal technologies

Reference Code: CI624

Closing Date: 21st June 2013

Details:

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

Dr Wojciech Mrozik, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Professor Tom Curtis, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Duration of the award
3.5 years

Project description
This project aims to enrich, identify and investigate the ecology of bacteria that can degrade steroidal estrogens in the aqueous environment. This will be achieved using a combination of conventional enrichment and culture techniques with molecular techniques that includes next generation sequencing. The fate and enhanced removal of estrogens is a critical contemporary challenge in which biology plays an important role. These chemicals are pervasive at very low concentrations in the aqueous environment and can have pronounced biological effects, e.g. feminisation and collapse of fish populations; prompting regulators to devise strategies and laws to reduce estrogens in the environment.

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

Person specification
Candidates must have a good class honours first degree in Engineering or Science, especially those that include a strong element of Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering and/or Biotechnology. The candidate should be comfortable in designing, building and conducting simple reactor experiments. They should have some laboratory experience and be familiar with wet chemistry and microbiological analyses. The candidate should have some knowledge of the various physical, chemical and biological processes used in wastewater treatment. In addition, the candidate is required to have a good level of numeracy and ability for data handling and analysis, including statistics. The candidate must be able to confidently work independently and show initiative, but also be able to work well with others. Most of all, the candidate should have an interest and ambition to perform fundamental science that informs engineering decisions.

How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CI624 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 CI624 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Please 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
E-mail: russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk