University of Nottingham
Postgraduate Studentships (Two)
Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry
School of Chemistry
fully funded postgraduate studentships are available to work on synthetic organometallic main group and f-element chemistry projects

The successful students will tackle exciting contemporary inorganic challenges such as metal-metal bonding, and low-oxidation state/multiply bonded metal centres. Students should be trained in inorganic and organic synthesis, and preferably to handle air- and moisture-sensitive compounds routinely, using Schlenk line and Glove-Box techniques. They will prepare, characterise, and test the reactivity of new organometallic/co-ordination compounds using a range of techniques, including: X-ray crystallography, NMR, EPR, IR spectroscopy, magnetism, and computational calculations. There will be extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience of new techniques.

Students should hold, or expect to obtain, a 2(i) or first class Honours degree in chemistry (or equivalent). Prior experience of main group or f-element chemistry will be an advantage, but is not essential.

Due to funding restrictions, funding is only available to UK or EU citizens.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr S T Liddle, Email: Stephen.Liddle@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Full details, including how to apply, are available from: Dr S T Liddle, School of Chemistry, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Email: Stephen.Liddle@Nottingham.ac.uk.

Please quote ref. SCI/219. These studentships are open until filled.

Funded PhD Studentship
Enhanced separation of fat, oil and greases (FOGs) in relation to wastewater
School of Applied Sciences
Academic Supervisors: Dr Raffaella Villa and Dr Frederic Coulon, Centre for Resource Management and Efficiency, Sustainable Systems, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University.


Supported by the EPSRC and ACO Building Drainage, a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for three years plus fees available. Conditions apply*

This project aims to determine viable methods of enhancing fat, oil and grease (FOGs) removal using wastewater gravity separation devices and/or post treatment units.

The social and eating habits of the nation are rapidly changing, people are eating out much more frequently than they did in the past and the number of food service establishments is increasing. Fat, oil and grease in liquid form may not appear harmful, but as it cools it can congeal and harden, to form solid obstructions to the inner lining of drainage pipes and restricts the wastewater flow causing the drain to block. Grease Traps are specially designed units which are placed in the drain system and are intended to separate the fats, oils and grease from the rest of the wastewater. The wastewater then continues to flow to the sewage works for treatment while the grease is retained in the trap to be collected by a licensed waste oil collector at regular intervals. These units can be highly effective if they are correctly designed, installed and maintained.

The successful student will undertake a state-of-the-art review of FOG characterisation and treatment, including characterisation of FOGs from a range of sources and feed types, and determination of size, density and rise rate. Laboratory testing of techniques to modify these characteristics will be conducted with the aim of enhancing aggregation and subsequently improving their removal from wastewater streams. Pilot testing will be used on the most appropriate options to optimise the solution and determine limiting conditions and effectiveness of removal using a commercial grease trap device. Field tests will also be undertaken to ascertain long term operation and robustness of the solution.


Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in the engineering or physical sciences or any related discipline. Applicants should also have a background in process and design engineering and knowledge of chemical and physical separation of fluids.

Funding:
*Supported by an EPSRC I-Case bursary and ACO Building Drainage sponsorship, this studentship will cover tuition fees and provide a bursary of up to £17,000 p.a. for three years. The studentship is ONLY open to UK and EU candidates. EU applicants may be eligible for a full award if they have been in full-time education or in employment in the UK throughout the three years preceding the start date of the programme of research study. Refer to http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining for details of student eligibility

How to apply:
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the application form at: www.cranfield.ac.uk/prospectus/app/pgappform.pdf.

Alternatively, for more information and an application form please contact:

Enquiries, Cranfield University, School of Applied Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)1234 754086
Fax: +44 (0)1234 754109
Email: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk

PhD Studentship
Supracolloidal Polymer Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
University of Warwick (http://www.chem.warwick.ac.uk)
This studentship is funded by industry and open to UK nationals and EU-citizens or those of equivalent status* (fees paid, plus £12600 per annum stipend) due to funding restrictions.
You will work in the group of Associate Professor Stefan Bon (http://www.stefanbon.eu) at Warwick Chemistry on the development of hybrid supracolloidal polymer structures. You have a degree in physical sciences with knowledge of polymer chemistry and/or colloid science.

Details of how to apply are available at http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply

Informal enquiries, which should include a CV, should be made as soon as possible to Associate Prof Stefan Bon (S.Bon@warwick.ac.uk)

Interfaculty Research Studentships
Electronic, Communication & Electrical Engineering

The University of Hertfordshire is investing in its research base, and is pleased to offer a number of exciting opportunities to work in interdisciplinary research. We are offering three year full-time studentships leading to the award of PhD, in the following subject areas.

The Projects:

1) Content-based Music Classification
Electronic, Communication & Electrical Engineering / Music

2) Novel Machine Learning Paradigms in Oncology.
Electronic, Communication & Electrical Engineering / Health Research & Development


The Studentships:

The studentship will pay your fees and provide a stipend of £12,600.
The successful candidates should normally hold at least a first or upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution.

Application forms and further information can be obtained from:
Research Office,
STRI,
Faculty of Engineering & Information Sciences,
University of Hertfordshire,
College Lane,
Hatfield, AL10 9AB;
email: L.Nicholls@herts.ac.uk

PhD Studentship
Business School
The Business School at Loughborough University invites applications.

This externally sponsored Studentship will focus upon research investigating the impact of Employee Share Ownership Schemes on individual employees both in terms of their relationship with their employer and in managing their personal finances.

The studentship is worth £16,500 per annum for three years maximum

As a PhD student in the Business School, you will join a lively community of research students and staff, becoming an integral part of the School's strong research culture. Loughborough University is consistently ranked at or very near the top of the UK university league tables, and offers excellent facilities for work and leisure.

The Postgraduate Research Programme leading to the degree of PhD is based on individual research in all three years of the full-time programme. In the first year, individual research is combined with taught components. Details of the training programme can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/b.../restrain.html

If you are looking to pursue a research degree leading to the award of PhD on an ESRC-recognised programme, and if you have a good degree in Business and Management OR a related academic field such as Economics, Psychology, or Sociology we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Further information regarding the PhD programme can be found at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/b...h/resdoct.html

Please contact: Tracey Preston on 01509 228276 or t.h.preston@lboro.ac.uk for details of how to apply.

For an informal discussion, please contact Prof. John Arnold on 01509 223121 or j.m.arnold@lboro.ac.uk or Alison Smith on 01509 223293 (a.j.smith2@lboro.ac.uk)

Studentship on Enhancing Mercury Capture by Wet FGD Systems
School of Civil Engineering & the Environment
The School of Civil Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton is a world class centre of research excellence, awarded the highest grade (5*) in the UK’s last Research Assessment Exercise.

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship to join this project as soon as possible. The project will involve setting up a bench-scale wet flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) system to study their efficiency with regard to mercury capture. Wet FGDs (also called wet ‘scrubbers’) are widely employed at power stations to remove gaseous sulphur dioxide from coal combustion flue gases. They also offer the additional benefit of being able to remove significant amounts of mercury from the flue gas. Mercury transformation and re-emission is known to be highly dependent on the scrubber chemistry and operating conditions and is now regarded as the main limitation on the Hg capture efficiency of wet FGD systems.

The main objective of the proposed project is to gain a better understanding of the absorber chemistry and mercury re-emission, with the aim of maximising Hg removal by wet scrubbers. The project will be carried out in close cooperation with industrial partners and some field sampling at U.K. power stations as well as regular progress reporting will be required.

Funding:
The studentship will cover tuition fees (at the U.K./EU rate only) plus an annual stipend. An overseas student would be expected to fund the difference in fees. Details are available at http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/..._fees0708.html

Eligibility:
Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 degree, or equivalent, in a chemical engineering or chemistry related discipline. Experience with process design and optimisation would be a particular advantage, along with demonstrated abilities in laboratory experimental work, and hands-on engineering skills such as the building of prototype models.

Informal enquiries about the project may be directed to Dr Susanne M. Ullrich (e-mail smu@soton.ac.uk).

Application forms and guidance for completion can be obtained and submitted online from http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/...oiapplypg.html. Do not use the ‘Apply Online’ link below.


References and transcripts, together with a covering letter quoting the online application reference, should be sent to Jacqui Holmes, PGR Programmes Coordinator, School of Civil Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ.
Email: amt2@soton.ac.uk

University of Nottingham
PhD Studentships
Renewable Energy/Sustainable Energy Technologies
School of the Built Environment
The School of the Built Environment is experiencing rapid growth and is also active in interdisciplinary teaching and research in the fields of architecture, building technology, sustainable technology and urban design. A multidisciplinary approach, encouraged through strong links with UK and international companies, guarantees the School's graduates a high standing in the market place of employment, research training and professional recognition.

The School of the Built Environment prides itself with extensive laboratory and IT facilities for research students with the opening of the new SRIF funded Sustainable Research Building, providing dedicated office space and laboratory services. This is one of several new buildings providing extensive research and teaching facilities to the School the new Environmental Education Centre, the Marmont Centre for Renewable Energy, and the David Wilson Millennium Eco-House.

An opportunity has arisen for several fully funded studentships in collaboration with industry, that will focus on developing several projects in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies (e.g. heat pumps, renewable energy, combined heat and power, ventilation, heat recovery, eco buildings and solar/thermal). These projects work closely with well known companies in the building services and construction sector, who provide a vital role in industrial and technical expertise.

Suitable students should possess a first degree (minimum 2.1 or 2.2 with an MSc qualification) in the fields of mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, building services or other technical disciplines. Students should have research interests in the field of renewable/sustainable energy technologies and building engineering. Time will be spent both at the company base (in the UK) and at the University of Nottingham, so students should be keen to gain both industrial and academic experience.

These studentships, for suitable UK (Home) students and (EU students), provide full university fees and a maintenance grant. These studentships are available for a period of three years and the successful students will have the opportunity to register for the degree of PhD upon successful examination.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor S B Riffat, tel: 0115 951 3157 or Email: Saffa.Riffat@Nottingham.ac.uk. Further details about the School are available at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/sbe

Applications, with a detailed CV and the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent to Professor S B Riffat, School of the Built Environment, The University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD.

The University of Manchester
BBSRC Industrial CASE PhD Studentship
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Development of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models (PBPK) for small molecule pharmaceutical agents in pre-clinical species and humans.
PROFESSOR LEON AARONS & DR ALEKSANDRA GALETIN

The project would involve a minimum three-month placement at AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire as well.

The Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics group (DMPK) investigates the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of candidate drugs (CD). Computer modelling of biological systems is an important capability of DMPK, which can be used to better understand data and make predictions. A whole body-physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) is a mathematical representation of the mammalian body and is often used to predict the pharmacokinetics of CDs in humans, using human in vitro data and animal in vivo data. DMPK at both AstraZeneca and the University of Manchester now have many years experience in applying PBPK models, and we have an opportunity for an individual to develop a project that will generate data and models which will improve the application and effectiveness of such models.

The Project will be based equally at both the University of Manchester, under the supervision of Professor Leon Aarons and Dr Aleksandra Galetin (School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), and at AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Cheshire.

You should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject such as chemistry or a biological, mathematical or engineering science and meet the eligibility criteria set out in the BBSRC guidelines (see link below).
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/training/eligibility.pdf

There would be the flexibility to commence the project in either January or July 2008 subject to the requirements of the selected candidate.

It is expected that following successful completion of this PhD the candidate would progress into further academia or R&D in industries including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Interested candidates should apply via the AstraZeneca website at:
http://www.astrazeneca.co.uk/azcareers/index.asp

PhD Studentship
Geotechnics
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Imperial College London and Geotechnical Consulting Group
EPSRC CASE Studentship

Imperial College is ranked in the top ten universities of the world, according to the 2006 Times Higher Education Supplement league tables.

Applications are invited for a fully funded EPSRC CASE studentship based in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London. The studentship will be undertaken in collaboration with the Geotechnical Consulting Group (http://www.gcg.co.uk/), a company that provides leading edge consulting service in Geotechnics.

The aim of the project is to investigate the use of piles and barrettes to stabilise soil slopes. Numerical analyses will be carried with the in-house finite element package ICFEP which has been specifically developed for the analysis of geotechnical engineering problems. The research will first provide an assessment of existing methodologies based on existing case studies and it will then aim to suggest a new design approach.

It is expected that the successful applicant will come from a civil engineering background and preference will be given to candidates with an MSc in Geotechnics. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will start in January of 2008. The studentship carries a minimum annual EPSRC stipend of £12,600 and fees, plus a significant additional contribution at the discretion of the College. Applicants should note that qualification for this form of EPSRC award is dependent on the candidate being a UK national or a non-UK EU national having been resident in the UK for three or more years prior to appointment.

Candidates wishing to discuss the post are invited to contact Dr Stavroula Kontoe at Imperial College London using the details given below.

Supervisors:
Dr Stavroula Kontoe, Lecturer, Imperial College London
Dr David Potts, GCG Professor of Geotechnical Engineering, Imperial College London.

Contact details:
Dr Stavroula Kontoe, Imperial College London, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Skempton Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ
Email: stavroula.kontoe@imperial.ac.uk

PhD Studentship
Supervisor: Dr Paul Sallis

Introduction

A collaborative BBSRC CASE funded PhD (Doctoral Training Award) is available to study the anaerobic biodegradation of pharmaceuticals. The research will be based at AstraZeneca's Brixham Environmental Laboratory in Devon with periods of time at the School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University. The position is available from November 2007 and will be funded for 4 years.

The Research Project

This project will investigate the hypothesis that pharmaceuticals adsorbing to biomass during aerobic sewage treatment may subsequently biodegrade during post-treatment of the waste activated sludge by anaerobic digestion, prior to the ultimate disposal of digested sludge on agricultural land. As anaerobic digestion is currently not included in the environmental risk assessment, it may mean that the terrestrial predicted environmental concentration (PECsoil) is currently being over-estimated, leading to unnecessary testing and potential regulatory concern.

The research project will identify the appropriate chemicals and pharmaceuticals from recent sludge adsorption data in published literature; develop the methodology to study anaerobic degradation of low concentrations (µg L-1 in the aqueous phase) of (14C) substances; assess rates and routes of degradation; use the data to assess the impact of the results in suitable risk assessments and make recommendations regarding the use of anaerobic degradation data in risk assessment.

The Brixham Environmental Laboratory is located in Devon, South West England and supports chemical and related businesses with assessments of the environmental safety of new and existing products, and of the manufacturing processes they operate. There are about 100 full-time staff in the laboratory covering a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong interest in environmental microbiology and chemistry. Applicants should hold or expect to hold a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, environmental engineering or a related subject.

Value of the Award

Applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements specified by the BBSRC, therefore only UK citizens, EU citizens residing for over 3 years in the UK, or others holding full-UK residency should apply.
The award covers tuition and registration fees; provides an annual stipend in excess of £16,000 per annum; and includes additional expenses for travelling between Brixham and Newcastle. How to Apply: Email your CV to p.j.sallis@ncl.ac.uk using CIVG228 as the message subject, or contact Dr Sallis by phone for an informal discussion.