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Reference Code: CI624
Closing Date: 31st October 2013

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 EPSRC’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 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 selecting ‘PhD school of Civil Engineering and Geosciences – Environmental Science’ as the programme of study. Once you have selected the programme, please insert the studentship/partnership reference number CI624. 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.

To apply for this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button below.

Further information

For further information, please contact: Dr Russell Davenport
E-mail: russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk