EPSRC Studentship in Civil Engineering

Using chemical structure and inocula characteristics to predictively model biodegradation rates

Reference Code: CI625

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 

Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Duration of the award
3.5 years

Project description
This ambitious project aims to investigate if reliable and robust relationships (QSBRs) exist between biodegradation rates and chemical properties for a diverse set of aromatic or phenolic-pollutants that have some structural similarity. The project will use highly constrained systems that will gradually include more complexity to investigate the influence of; chemical structures and properties, microbial community structure and environment type on biodegradation rates.

Value of the award and eligibility
This award is available to the candidates who meet the ESPRC’s 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, Sciences or Statistics; these may include Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry (especially Computational Chemistry), Environmental Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Statistics or Computing Science, although other disciplines would not be excluded.

We are looking for someone that may have complementary skills in statistics and computing, as well as chemistry and biology. People with strength in one over the other would also be considered.

The candidate should be computer literature and numerate with a good practical use and understanding of statistics. Experience and familiarity with chemical and microbiological laboratory techniques would be also strongly desirable. The candidate must be able to confidently work independently with a desire to learn and improve their skills and understanding. They must therefore be able to work as part of a larger team and have good communication skills. Most of all, the candidate should demonstrate passion for the scientific pursuit of knowledge in the area of pollutant fate and its prediction.

How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CI625 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 CI625 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