Research Assistant or Research Fellow in Water Processes

Fixed Term Contract for 24 months or until the project end date, whichever is sooner

Research Assistant (close to completing PhD): Full time starting salary is £34,450 per annum

Research Fellow (PhD obtained): Full time starting salary is £37,337 per annum

The Cranfield Water Science Institute seeks passionate PhD graduates in engineering, chemistry, or environmental science to join our drinking water team and research PFAS removal strategies in water treatment.

About the Role

We seek a self-driven Research Fellow/Assistant to tackle PFAS removal from drinking water. You will research advanced treatment strategies like oxidation, adsorption, and ion exchange, plus regenerating PFAS-saturated adsorbents. This work is part of the OFWAT project, PFAS – A whole system approach to an impossible problem.

You will lead key research on PFAS chemistry and treatment using our National Research Facility for Water and Wastewater Treatment. This high-impact project will shape national PFAS management strategies and mitigate water risks. An exceptional opportunity for a passionate professional to advance water processes, environmental engineering, and science in the water sector.

About You

A PhD (or near completion) in engineering or science (e.g., chemical/environmental engineering, chemistry) is required. You will research advanced PFAS removal strategies, including oxidation, adsorption, and ion exchange, while exploring regeneration and reuse of PFAS-saturated adsorbents like activated carbon through thermal and chemical processes.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in:

• Experimental research related to water treatment processes, ideally, advanced oxidation processes, adsorption or ion exchange
• Working with PFAS or other micropollutants
• Advanced analytical techniques such as LC-MS
• Statistical data analysis
• Designing new experimental bench-scale set ups
• Working with pilot plants 

You must have project management skills, proven research delivery, and excellent communication. A strong record of scientific publications is essential. Knowledge of advanced oxidation processes (UV-based, electrochemical, wet oxidation), adsorption with activated carbon, and/or ion exchange is required. Equivalent industry experience will also 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 water 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 Irene Carra, on (E): irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk

To apply please click above 'Apply' Button. For further details please contact peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk quoting 5017.

Closing date: 16 March 2025

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