This exciting fully funded PhD, with an enhanced stipend of ÂŁ24,000 per annum, will focus on the application of nanobubbles to support waste management at the UKs designated nuclear waste management site for civil power generation and experimental fuels. Delivered in collaboration with the sponsor of this research, Sellafield Ltd, we anticipate deriving operational improvements, cost savings, and safety enhancements in waste management.
Students will benefit from being part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), a world leading collaboration between three UK universities (Cranfield, Sheffield and Newcastle Universities). The WIRe programme includes a bespoke training programme in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world leading experimental facilities (PhDs under this scheme are for a duration of four years full time).
This will potentially result in faster dewatering of the sludge from these ponds, reducing operational costs and risks as well as reduce the number of waste packages required for both temporary storage and in a geological disposal facility. Additionally, this investigation will be examining the transition of sludge beds from anaerobic to aerobic conditions through nanobubble aeration, focusing on how this shift can breakdown extracellular polymeric substances, biofilms and mitigate methane production, a key safety concern. furthermore, understanding the biological degradation products is key for getting buy in from both regulators and the geological disposal facility stakeholders.
This research is an exciting collaboration between Cranfield and Sellafield Ltd. Sellafield is the UKs designated nuclear waste management site for civil power generation and experimental fuels and is a significant national industrial challenge. With a focus on cleaning-up the country’s highest nuclear risks and hazards to safeguarding nuclear fuel, materials and waste, their work is nationally important. During the PhD, you will have the opportunity to visit this extensive facility. The successful applicant will also make use of the analytical and pilot plant facilities available at Cranfield University to translate the results from the laboratory to full-scale.
Being part of a CDT provides students with an immediate network of peers and experts, extensive technical and personal development training, and dissemination opportunities from which the successful applicant can build a platform of excellence.
At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water and waste management sectors or in an academic role. We will help you develop into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) with an international network of colleagues.
At a glance
- Application deadline: 31 Jul 2024
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date: 30 Sep 2024
- Duration of award4 years
- Eligibility: UK, Rest of world
- Reference number: SWEE0260
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit those with a background in chemical or civil engineering, as well as those with chemistry or biological science qualifications and experience. The ideal candidate should have some understanding of municipal/industrial water/wastewater treatment. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research. Prior experience in the water or nuclear sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC and Sellafield Ltd, this CDT studentship will provide a bursary of up ÂŁ24,000 per annum plus fees at the home rate for four years.
This studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Professor Peter Jarvis
Email:Â p.jarvis@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone:Â 01234 750111
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form stating the reference number SWEE0260. Please note we will be interviewing as applications are received.