PhD Research Project - Bioelectrochemical treatment of coke-oven wastewater

Job reference number - 506756

The University of Queensland (UQ) has a strong and internationally-focused research culture, and is currently ranked in the top 1% of world Universities in three widely-publicised international ranking systems. The 2010 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) survey confirmed UQ as one of the nation's top two universities, measured on a combination of research quality and breadth. ERA furthermore reported that research at UQ is above world standard in more broad fields than at any other Australian university, reflecting its leading global role in many areas of discovery including Water Management and Sustainable Resource Management.

This PhD opportunity is within the Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), an international centre of excellence in innovative water technologies: http://www.awmc.uq.edu.au

Opportunity

AWMC is seeking a highly motivated candidate to undertake a PhD within an industry-funded project on bioelectrochemical treatment of coke-oven wastewater from steel manufacturing, with focus on phenol and thiocyanate removal. The successful candidate will work extensively in AWMC laboratories under the guidance of a multidisciplinary advisory team, and may also undertake pilot work at one of the industry partner's sites.

Selection criteria

Only outstanding candidates will be considered for the position. Domestic candidates should have 1st Class Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical or Environmental Engineering (or related disciplines); international candidates will be considered if they have attained a research Master degree or undergraduate research thesis. International candidates are expected be apply for an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) or external scholarship (for more information, please visit: http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/scholarships-and-fees). Previous research experience in the fields of bioelectrochemistry and/or wastewater treatment is highly desirable.

Award of scholarship will be based on academic merit, research experience and potential. The scholarship will be awarded for 3 years with a possible extension of 6 months in approved circumstances.  Applicants will be encouraged to apply for competitive scholarships, as detailed in http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/scholarships-and-fees.

International applicants must meet the University of Queensland's English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements, detailed at http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/english-language-proficiency-requirements

Remuneration

The base stipend will be at the rate of AUD $27,596 per annum (2019 rate) tax-free for three years with the possibility of a six month extension in approved circumstances.

Starting date

This PhD position will start in 2019, RQ3 or RQ4.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please contact A/Prof Stefano Freguia (s.freguia@awmc.uq.edu.au).  About A/Prof Stefano Freguia: http://www.awmc.uq.edu.au/index.html?page=68487

Closing date - 3rd Feb 2019 (11:55 PM) E. Australia Standard Time