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Reference Code: CI625
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 

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 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, 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 literate and numerate with a good practical use and understanding of statistics. Experience and familiarity with chemical and microbiological laboratory techniques would also be 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 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 CI625. 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

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