Reference Code: CI643

Closing Date: 3rd February 2014

Details:

Name of the supervisors
Dr Anke Neumann, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Professor David Graham, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

Duration of the award
Three and a half years

Project description
Contaminant transformation and (bio) availability as well as nutrient cycling are strongly affected by redox reactions of Fe-bearing minerals in subsurface environments. While previous laboratory studies addressed the redox reactivity of individual Fe minerals, a systematic evaluation of the combined reactivity of co-existing Fe minerals is lacking. This project will bridge the knowledge gap between laboratory experiment and natural systems, including assessing microbial responses to different mineral conditions. Various Fe-bearing minerals and representative soil organic components will be combined to simulate the complexity of natural environments. Experiments will range from batch to flow-through experiments, including solid phase and redox characterizations (e.g. reactive probe compounds, ICP-MS, Mössbauer spectroscopy). Selected microbial assays will be performed to relate chemical predictions and biological responses.

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 (2014-15).

Person specification
Your background should be in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, soil science or a related discipline, with experience in the laboratory. You should be motivated to conduct extensive laboratory work, including aqueous and solid phase analyses (HPLC, ICP-MS, XRD, Mössbauer spectroscopy). Experience in any of these techniques would be advantageous.

How to apply

To apply for this post, please click on the Apply button below.

You must complete the University’s 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 CI643.

Please also send a CV and covering letter, quoting the reference number CI643 to Dr Anke Neumann (anke.neumann@ncl.ac.uk).

Further information
For further details, please contact:
Dr Anke Neumann
School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
E-mail: anke.neumann@ncl.ac.uk