The University of Sheffield Department of Civil and Structural Engineering in collaboration with Scottish Water.

Stipend: This post will fully cover university tuition and provide a tax-free stipend over a four-year duration for UK students of £19,000 per year for the first two years, rising to £20,000 per year for the final two years. 

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, 30^th August 2013
Interview Date: Expected to be during w/c 9^th September 2013
Start Date: 1st October 2013 (non-negotiable, contract duration 4 years)

The water industry needs to better understand why bacteriological failures occur in a water distribution network, be in a position to identify the root cause of such failures and consider the most effective and efficient actions that will prevent failures and protect public health. To this end, the overall aim of this EngD project will be to improve understanding, modelling and practice relating to chlorine demand and management within water distribution networks. The project is expected to involve a combination of laboratory and field based experimentation and the development of dynamic models for chlorine decay in water distribution networks. There will be an emphasis on deriving practical and relevant understanding and enabling applications for the benefit of Scottish Water and its customers.

The research programme to be completed in this project is a collaboration between Scottish Water and the Pennine Water Group at the University of Sheffield. The aim of the project is to improve understanding, modelling and practice relating to chlorine within water distribution networks.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate strong mathematical and analytical based skills as well as an investigative, practical and pragmatic mind set. An appreciation of the water industry and hydraulics would be considered advantageous.

For further information on the project please visit the ‘Opportunities’ page of the Pennine Water Group web site: http://www.shef.ac.uk/penninewatergroup/opps

Eligibility Criteria
Normal EPSRC funding eligibility applies to this award, so students must have a relevant connection with the UK (usually established by residence).

The ideal applicant for this position would have;

• A good honours degree in Engineering or Physical Science
• Relevant experience to perform laboratory and field experiments related to chlorine decay, including both bulk and wall reactions
• Relevant experience to perform mathematical and analytical tasks at a competent level
• Experience in distribution system hydraulics would be advantageous.
• Good interpersonal, presentation and management skills
• Effective communication and IT skills
• An ability to travel between the partner institutions

How to apply
Interested candidates should email a covering letter and their Curriculum Vitae to Caroline Brookfield (c.brookfield@sheffield.ac.uk) via the Apply button below.

For information and informal enquiries please contact: Prof. Joby Boxall (j.b.boxall@sheffield.ac.uk).

The closing date for applications is Friday, 30^th August 2013.