JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Doctoral Researcher
Centre for Environmental and Marine Sciences
We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher to work on a UK Natural Environment Research Council funded project "R3AW: Resource Recovery and Remediation of Alkaline Wastes". The project is part of larger consortium involving the Universities of Leeds, Newcastle, Huddersfield and Cardiff; and, industrial partnerships with Tata Steel Europe, the Mineral Industry Research Organisation, Bureau Veritas and Link2Energy. The Hull Post-Doctoral Researcher will assess modes for metal recovery and remediation of highly alkaline wastewaters. The post will be based in Hull, but the post-holder will be encouraged to make the most of opportunities for collaborative working with project partners.
Project background and role
The overall aim of the consortium is to provide fundamental improvements in understanding of alkaline biogeochemistry to develop predictable, passive remediation and e-tech metal recovery technologies for globally significant alkaline waste streams and develop a framework for their effective deployment. Therefore the R3AW consortium combines expertise from natural sciences, engineering and social sciences to achieve this broad aim.
A core aspect of this work will be to understand the nature of metal-rich leachates from alkaline residues, technologies best-suited to recovering metals and methods for neutralising residual waters. Therefore, the Hull Postdoctoral Researcher, working under the supervision of Dr Will Mayes and Dr Mike Rogerson will undertake a programme of work to develop metal recovery technologies alongside combined remediation of leachates.
Specifically, the work will;
1) Identify and trial a range of test media for the selective recovery of e-tech metals from alkaline leachates.
2) Undertake laboratory trials to determine the controls on buffering rates of hyperalkaline leachates.
3) Undertake pilot scale field experiments to assess metal recovery rates and buffering processes under field conditions.
The project will initially focus on iron and steel making wastes, but will also consider other alkaline residues such as fly ash and bauxite processing residue.
The start date for this position is as soon as possible.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Will Mayes, tel +44 (0)1723 357292, or Dr Mike Rogerson, tel +44 (0)1482 466051.
In your covering letter please refer directly to the criteria, given in the person specification below. Applications are assessed by the selection panel according to these criteria.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on Wednesday 5 November 2014.
Salary range £32,277 - £37,394 pa
Closing date 21 October 2014
Learn more about this position and apply online by using the "Apply Through Website" button.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
You will ideally have a PhD in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering, preferably including training in aqueous (geo)chemistry and solid phase characterisation methods. We welcome prior experience in working with industrial by-products, good field and laboratory experimental skills and excellent communication skills as well as a proven ability to work as part of a team. You will be expected to publish research papers and to present your research at national and international meetings, and interact closely with the consortium partners.
Apply here: https://jobs.hull.ac.uk/Logon/?jobId=1146