£15,726 stipend per annum, starting January 2014

This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a key contribution to further the understanding of how fundamental biogeochemical processes that occur in freshwater systems relate to observed optical properties. In particular, focus will be on improving our understanding of how the fluorescent properties of dissolved organic matter in freshwater systems relate to important microbial processes.

The successful candidate will help inform the design, fabrication, validation and testing of a fluorescence sensor in partnership with Chelsea Technologies Group (the industrial partner) and will spend 9 months working with the industrial partner in their commercial environment (3 x three month periods). During these placements an additional £1,000 per month will be provided to off-set incurred living and travel costs.

The scholarship is available from 1 January 2014 and consists of an annual stipend of £15,726, subject to satisfactory progress. In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for 3 years (Home/EU rates only). Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will be required to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £7,565 per annum).

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first class or good 2:1 honours degree, or a distinction or high merit at MSc level (or international equivalent) in an area of Environmental Chemistry/ Environmental Microbiology and/ or Bio-Geochemistry.

Prospective candidates wishing to informally discuss an application should contact Darren Reynolds darren.reynolds@uwe.ac.uk.

For further information and how to apply visit:  www.uwe.ac.uk/graduateschool and click on ‘studentship opportunities’.

Closing date:  11am, 2^nd December 2013

UWE is an equal opportunities employer.