Research Fellow

Employment type: Fixed-term (18 months)

Interview date: 23 February 2023

The University of Portsmouth is an ambitious institution with a track record of success. One of only four universities in the south east of England to achieve a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and ranked in the top 150 in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a career in wastewater research and innovation by working with a consortium of water companies (led by United Utilities) on an Ofwat funded Water Breakthrough Challenge Project examining alternative approaches to phosphorus removal at small wastewater treatment works.  This post will specifically involve working closely in an industrial - academic partnership between the University of Portsmouth and Southern Water to facilitate the uptake of reactive media technology for P removal.  Other P removal technologies will be examined by other Partners and the post holder will also gain an in depth understanding of these technologies through project meetings.

This post will be based at the University’s Environmental Technology Field Station at Petersfield wastewater treatment works. The post will involve establishing standardised testing protocols for reactive media that inform development and build of a deployable testing station.  This station will then be used to assess the performance of reactive media for P removal at wastewater treatment plants.  This will require practical engineering and water quality testing expertise, supported by University and water industry experts.

To facilitate translating the outcomes of trials into practical solutions the post holder will work with various stakeholders to define how the technology will be best deployed in the water sector and undertake comparative costing of different options. This will provide an opportunity to work on industrially relevant problems in an academic setting and an unique insight into innovation across various water utilities.

In addition to a higher degree level qualification in environmental engineering or science, technical expertise and practical experience of wastewater research is required. The applicant will also require a driving licence, and preferably their own car, as driving between sites and trial locations is required. The role will also need a strong commitment to ensuring compliance with on-site health and safety and the other regulatory requirements of the water sector.

Please contact Professor John Williams ( John.williams@port.ac.uk 02392 842404) to discuss any aspect of this role.

The School of Civil Engineering and Surveying is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from groups under-represented in engineering research.  We have been awarded our Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of our commitment to gender equality.

The University of Portsmouth believes this role is eligible for sponsorship with UKVI under the Skilled Worker Route visa, and meets the minimum salary requirements to obtain the minimum points requirement.

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from all talented people. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives. 

Information about us and our benefits.

For detailed information about the vacancy:  ZZ007243-1 - Research Fellow.docx

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