Research Assistant or Research Fellow in Filtration Processes and Microplastic Management

Fixed Term Contract for 15 months

Research Assistant (close to completing PhD): £34,450 per annum

Research Fellow (PhD obtained): £37,337 to £39,864 per annum

Cranfield Water Sciences welcomes applications from passionate, skilled and committed Engineering, Environmental Science, or Material Science graduates with a PhD in relevant subjects to contribute to the definition of microplastic release from wastewater treatment asset. 

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Research Fellow to join our dynamic team in addressing the crucial challenge of exploring the generation and release of microplastics in the wastewater asset to minimise the release of these chemicals into the water bodies and enhance the safeguarding of our environment. 

You will play a pivotal role in a high-profile project of national relevance aimed at advancing our understanding and management of microplastics generated by plastic components as well as filtration systems present in the wastewater treatment asset. This involves conducting comprehensive investigations into the release of microplastic from a dedicated pilot-scale unit simulating the coarse filtration of wastewater under various operative conditions and the performance of plastic specimens under abrasion conditions to define. 

Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to operate pilot-scale reactor units and collaborating with project partners, this is an exceptional opportunity for a professional passionate about engineering, environmental science or material science to impact the water sector significantly. 

About You

You will be educated to doctoral level (or close to completion) in Engineering, Environmental Science or Material Science and have experience of management research using both qualitative and quantitative methods. You will also have experience of operating pilot-scale reactors in relevant environments, ideally for wastewater treatment. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in wastewater treatment, and a background in environmental or engineered systems would be an advantage. Knowledge of microplastic generation and management and environmental performance assessment would be an advantage. Equivalent industry experience would be considered.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here. 

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Luca Alibardi, on l.alibardi@cranfield.ac.uk

To apply please click above 'Apply' Button. For further details contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk and quote 4969.

Closing date: 8 December 2024

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