Research Assistant or Fellow in Filtration Processes and Microplastic Management

Role Description

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 for microplastic identification, the role encompasses the planning, implementation of experimental tests and the operation of a pilot-scale cloth filtration reactor under relevant conditions and the collection of samples to be analysed for presence of microplastic. The role will also involve the assessment of the performance of plastic specimens during abrasion tests and the definition of a ranking of various polymers together with alternative materials based on abrasion resistance and environmental characteristics. This position is instrumental in guiding the water industry towards effective selection of materials in the wastewater asset as well as the management of processes to minimise the release of microplastic in the environment. Your work will contribute to a national project, inform the selection of management strategies, and optimize treatment processes to mitigate risks related to microplastic. 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 .

The Water sub-theme at Cranfield University is home to two internationally recognised centres of excellence: Cranfield Water Science Institute and the Centre for Water Environment and Development. Both groups offer postgraduate taught and research degrees as well as short courses on campus or in-company.

Cranfield Water Science Institute has a proud reputation for its research on the science, engineering and management of water. Our lives and livelihoods are dependent on the natural and engineered water cycles. Accordingly, research and skills development in water treatment and management have never been more vital. Cranfield’s research in these areas is applied and industry focused, and we have been driving innovation for over 40 years.

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 .

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 . Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working .

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.