Application deadline: 1^st April 2013

Supervisors: Prof Bruce Jefferson and Dr Ben Martin

Duration of award: 12 months

Award type: MSc by Research

Supported by Clear Water Revival a studentship at Cranfield with up to £25,000 p.a.* plus fees is available for one year

Internationally recognised Cranfield’s Water Science Institute, in collaboration with Clear Water Revival Ltd, has an exciting MSc by Research opportunity for a motivated candidate to develop innovative modular natural water treatment systems with advanced phosphorus control for use in new and existing swimming pool and water remediation applications.

Clear Water Revival is leading the way in developing and marketing cutting edge natural swimming pool water filtration systems, providing versatile and innovative design alternatives to chemical pools. Natural pools provide a habitat for wildlife and encourage and educate on natural processes, ecosystems, ecodesign and important values such as living in harmony with nature and low energy design. They also remove dependency on chemicals and disinfection and demonstrate wider potential to reduce chemical use. Clear Water Revival and the Water Science Institute at Cranfield University are now looking for a highly motivated individual to carry out a research project at the University, and at the project’s completion, will be invited to apply for a full time position within the company. Candidates with industrial experience are preferred, and the position is open to those with a PhD if they have not previously completed a Masters.   

The project seeks to identify and trial a range of microbial and inorganic filter media towards the design of novel natural water treatment systems for use in natural swimming pools and water purification applications. It will develop a solid foundation of knowledge regarding the physicochemistry and biology of phosphorus binding in biological water treatment in the UK, necessary for precise algal control and hygiene within natural swimming pools, with wider potential applications in the prevention of eutrophication in drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Entry Requirements

• A first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related subject such as chemistry, or environmental chemistry
• Experience of running, interpreting, and reporting laboratory trials
• Ability to demonstrate a clear interest in aquatic chemistry and/or water treatment
• Experience of working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential
• Excellent communicator and report writing skills
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and work under own initiative
• Computer literate especially in MS Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite

Funding

*Supported by Clear Water Revival, this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only. Non UK/EU students will have to pay the remainder of their tuition fees up front before commencing their studies. Applicants are also eligible for a bursary of up to £25,000 p.a. for the duration of the award, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

How to apply

Please click apply now

Keywords: water, chemistry, biology, engineering, environmental science, phosphorus.