Research Fellow in Desalination and Water Treatment Technology

The University of Birmingham is coordinating a new project consortium INDIA H2O funded by the EU-India Water Cooperation programme. A Research Fellow is required to create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within this specific research project. The overall aim of the project to design, develop and demonstrate high-recovery low-cost water treatment systems for saline groundwater and for domestic and industrial wastewaters. Hosted by the School of Engineering in Edgbaston, the Research Fellow will contribute through the development of advanced membrane treatment systems for purification of drinking water from brackish groundwater, including desalination based on reverse osmosis and forward osmosis driven by renewable energy. The research will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in India..

The postholder will liaise with consortium partners in India and EU to plan and conduct research, operating within area of specialism to model and design water treatment systems based on advanced membrane technologies. They will carry out experiments and analyse and interpret results, disseminate findings among project consortium and in the public domain. They will contribute to the development of business models and knowledge exchange for exploitation of the project outcomes, and contribute to broader areas of project management, writing of research bids, and supervision of students in related research activities. This post may require travel from time to time as required.

Person Specification

• First degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Hold, or be close to completion of, PhD in relevant research area or equivalent industrial experience.
• Demonstrable ability in analysis and modelling of process technologies and/or systems.
• Evidenced ability to design, modify and operate experimental equipment and to make and interpret observations reliably.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Evidenced ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/ administration processes.
• Evidenced ability to contribute to the planning and organisation of the research project.
• Evidenced ability to coordinate own work with others to work effectively towards overall project objectives and meet agreed deadlines.
• Ability to identify and learn new techniques, through self-study, training and/or continuing professional development.

Additional Information

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Philip Davies p.a.davies@bham.ac.uk 0121 414 2826 

Please note, this vacancy is externally research funded, the maximum salary available is £32,236 per year.