The full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £15,863 (2014-15). The candidate must be eligible for domestic EPSRC support, such as domestic UK candidates or EU candidates with very high academic standing.

Duration: 3.5 years

Sponsor

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and AstraZeneca UK (AZ)

Project Description

This studentship will refine and operationalise low-energy treatment technologies for removing antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and genes (ARG) from domestic wastes. The project will 1) review previous work on ARG/ARB fate in different bioreactors; 2) operate an array of reactors contrasting ARG/ARB transmission in suspended culture, biofilm and other designs; 3) perform ARG-positive ARB seeding experiments to quantify ARG, gene transfer, and microbial host-fate in reactor microbial communities versus operating conditions; and 4) pilot test designs in India. The project requires residence at IIT, Delhi for a small portion of the project.

Name of the Supervisors

Professor David Graham  

Professor Colin Harwood  

Person Specification and Eligibility Criteria 

The candidate must be eligible for domestic EPSRC support.

The candidate must have a strong MSc degree in Environmental Engineering/Science, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or related discipline. 

The candidate must be familiar with molecular microbiological methods related to environmental systems. Experience in operating biological waste treatment reactors is highly desirable. 

The candidate must be able to work independently and be willing to work in India for portions of their studies. 

The person needs strong communication skills, a passion to learn, and must aspire to achieve world-leading research on treatment technologies for reducing AR in the environment.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form. In the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field, please insert CI-708. 

As the programme of study please select 'PhD School of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (Environmental)'. A CV and covering letter, quoting the reference number CI-708 should also be sent to: d.graham<στο>ncl.ac.uk

Prompt application is advised as this position is only available until a suitable candidate is found

For further details, please contact: Professor David W Graham d.graham<στο>ncl.ac.uk