At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle the challenge of removing forever chemicals from drinking water through innovative research.
- Company: Join a leading doctoral centre focused on water infrastructure and resilience.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD, training in advanced skills, and opportunities for international placements.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and industry partners in a dynamic academic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Open to all motivated individuals with a passion for solving environmental problems.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
This exciting fully funded PhD will address the urgent challenge of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in drinking water. Working with leading UK water industry partners, the student will investigate PFAS removal by adsorption processes using laboratory experiments and will use the findings to develop simple tools to predict treatment performance and improve drinking water protection.
The project will investigate PFAS removal by GAC using laboratory experiments, and the experimental findings will be used to develop practical predictive tools that can help water companies predict when treatment performance will decline and make better decisions on GAC replacement. The student will explore how the chemical properties of different PFAS and the composition of the water influence treatment performance and operation lifetime.
The project will provide training in environmental chemistry, laboratory experimentation, advanced chemical analysis and data interpretation. The student will work closely with leading researchers and water industry partners, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions for safeguarding drinking water.
Applicants from a broad range of disciplines are welcome, including environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and related subjects. Previous experience in water treatment or modelling is not required; curiosity, enthusiasm and a desire to solve real‑world environmental problems are the most important qualities.
The successful candidate will be based at Cranfield University and the project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), which includes a bespoke four‑year doctoral training programme in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world‑leading experimental facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to undertake an international placement.
Application Information: Remote or on‑site students are eligible. The position is open to applicants with UK Home status.
Removing forever chemicals from drinking water - PhD studentship in Cranfield employer: European Geosciences Union (EGU)
CDT WIRe offers an exceptional opportunity for PhD students to engage in groundbreaking research on PFAS removal from drinking water, supported by leading universities and industry partners. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, the centre fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and international placements. This fully funded studentship not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also equips students with invaluable skills in environmental chemistry and data analysis, making it an ideal environment for aspiring researchers.
Contact Details:
European Geosciences Union (EGU) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Removing forever chemicals from drinking water - PhD studentship in Cranfield
✨Get Involved in Green Projects
Nothing shows your passion like hands-on experience! Dive into local environmental initiatives, like clean-up drives or renewable energy projects. This not only boosts your CV but helps you meet industry folk who might just point you to that perfect internship opportunity!
✨Leverage University Resources
Don’t underestimate your uni’s career service! They often have exclusive internship listings, plus workshops on pitching to companies. Make sure to chat with your professors, too; they often have connections in the environmental engineering field that could lead to that internship at European Geosciences Union (EGU)!
✨Join Online Communities
Join forums and social media groups focused on environmental engineering. Sites like LinkedIn and even specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for internship leads, mentorship opportunities, and handy tips from those already in the field. The more active you are, the more visible you become!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you're ready to apply for that internship at European Geosciences Union (EGU), do it through our website! It’s the most straightforward way to ensure your application gets seen and can lead to quicker feedback. Plus, who doesn’t love a streamlined process?
We think you need these skills to ace Removing forever chemicals from drinking water - PhD studentship in Cranfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sustainability:When applying for an internship in environmental engineering tech, it’s crucial to highlight your enthusiasm for the field. Share any personal projects or experiences related to sustainability, whether that's academic projects, volunteer work, or relevant coursework. This shows us at European Geosciences Union (EGU) that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference!
Highlight Technical Skills and Tools:Make sure to showcase your knowledge of technical tools and software relevant to environmental engineering, like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or GIS. Mentioning specific skills or experiences with these technologies in your CV will make your application stand out to us, as they’re significantly valued in our industry.
Keep It Focused on Learning:As this is an internship, we want to see that you're keen to learn and grow. In your cover letter, express what you hope to gain from this experience at European Geosciences Union (EGU). Talk about how our projects align with your career goals and what unique perspective you can bring to the team.
Include Relevant Coursework and Projects:Don’t forget to detail any related courses or academic projects in your CV that relate to environmental engineering. This could include anything from environmental impact assessments to renewable energy projects. It’s a great way to fill out your application and shows us you have the background we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Geosciences Union (EGU)
✨Get Your Eco-Credentials Ready
Brush up on your understanding of environmental regulations and sustainability practices. We should be able to discuss how these principles apply to the role at European Geosciences Union (EGU), so make sure you can link theory to real-world applications.
✨Showcase Your Technical Tools Know-How
Familiarise yourself with the software and technologies common in environmental engineering, like AutoCAD or GIS tools. During the interview, be prepared to share any coursework or projects that demonstrate your ability to use these tools effectively.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As this is an internship, it’s key to convey your enthusiasm for learning. Think about examples from your studies or past experiences where you took the initiative to learn something new or adapt to a challenging situation — this will show you’re ready to take on the responsibilities at European Geosciences Union (EGU).
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to tackle situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills in environmental contexts. We could be asked how we would approach a particular project or manage an environmental risk, so practising these scenarios can help us think on our feet.