Research Assistant in Local Regeneration of Activated Carbon

Location: Bay Campus, Swansea

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

The Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting a Research Assistant to develop local regeneration methods for activated carbon used in water treatment.

This is a Full Time, Fixed Term position until 30/09/2025.

Funded by OFWAT under the Water Breakthrough Challenge 4 Catalyst Stream, a Research Assistant is required (for a period of 12 months) to conduct research as part of a partnership between Swansea University and the water industry led by Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water).

The partnership will develop technologies for the regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC) locally and includes Anglian Water, Affinity Water, Industrie DeNora, Panton McLeod, Severn Trent Water, Swansea University, Uisce Éireann, United Utilities, and Welsh Water.

Thermal regeneration of GAC is commonly used but it is a costly and carbon intensive operation. This project will explore different local regeneration techniques considering effectiveness, cost and carbon footprint and compare this to thermal regeneration.

The main specific tasks of the post include:

• Perform an extensive series of experimental tests on chemical regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC) used in water treatment.
• Evaluate the physico-chemical properties of treated and untreated GAC (capacity, FTIR, BET, SEM, etc.).
• Conduct data analysis, understand the effect of various chemical regeneration methods on GAC properties, and ascertain the best regeneration regime.
• Based on lifecycle assessment, ascertain potential cost and carbon footprint savings of local GAC regeneration.
• Liaise effectively with all partners working in this project and report findings on a regular basis to academic and industrial collaborators.
• Conduct literature review and draft academic papers for publication in specialist high-impact journals.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

We have an under-representation of women in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from women for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit. 

Closing Date: 16 September 2024

Interview Date: 24 September 2024

Informal Enquiries

•  Professor Chedly Tizaoui c.tizaoui@swansea.ac.uk
•  Dr Afsanehsadat Larimi a.larimi@swansea.ac.uk

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