Multi-Disciplinary Research Related to the Global Management of Natural Resources

UCL Department / Division: Department of Chemical Engineering
Reports to: Prof. A. Striolo
Stipend: £17,000 per annum + UK/EU fees
Start date: 1^st November 2020 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

VACANCY INFORMATION

The Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) is among the leading research-intensive departments across the world. It hosts over 24 academics whose research is collaborative, ground-breaking and focused on solving societal problems.

The Chemical Engineering Department is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated post-graduate student to research aspects related to the Global Management of Natural Resources. The interested applicant should present a research project. Areas of interest are:

1. social license to operate;
2. supply chain analysis and optimisation in the resources sector;
3. modelling innovative approaches to mitigate the environmental impact of emergent contaminants (e.g., heavy metal ions, pharmaceuticals, etc.);
4. circular economy applied to the resources sector (e.g., re-processing of contaminants dispersed in the environment);
5. recycling of nuclear waste via advanced processes.

The project will be in collaboration with researchers at the University of South Australia, potentially with industrial connections.

Understanding of social issues, system modelling approaches, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, are desired, but not essential, as it will be developed during the project. The post-holder will have the opportunity of sharing results and ideas with other academics and industrial partners.

The post is fully funded (stipend and fees) for 3.5 years.

Apply Here

STUDENTSHIP DESCRIPTION

This studentship provides stipend and UK fees, fully funded for 3.5 years, and it is meant to support the delivery of the MSc programme ‘Global Management of Natural Resources’, which is a multi-disciplinary post-graduate taught programme that addresses the resources sector.

The interested Applicant is expected to submit a 1-page research proposal on one of the following five areas:

1. social license to operate;
2. supply chain analysis and optimisation in the resources sector;
3. modelling innovative approaches to mitigate the environmental impact of emergent contaminants (e.g., heavy metal ions, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
4. circular economy applied to the resources sector (e.g., re-processing of contaminants dispersed in the environment)
5. recycling of nuclear waste via advanced processes (this is an experimental project).

The Academic Supervisor will be chosen depending on the topic of preference. The Applicant is encouraged to identify a preference in the application (e.g., Assoc. Prof. Styan, Prof. Papageorgiou, Prof. Striolo, Prof. Fraga, Prof. Angeli, respectively, for the five topics listed above).

In addition to conducting high-calibre research, the results of which are expected to be publishable in leading journals and presented at international conferences, the post-holder will be required to support, as Teaching Assistant, the delivery of taught modules within the Global Management of Natural Resources programme.

As the research will be in collaboration with the University of South Australia, it is possible that some long-distance travel will be required. This is however contingent on the developments of the project, as well as on those of the Covid-19 pandemic.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will have completed a first-class degree at the MEng or MSc level in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Physics or related disciplines. Candidates with a background in quantitative Social and Behavioural Sciences methods and an interest in the Energy and Resources sectors are also eligible. Graduates from the MSc in Global Management of Natural Resources are strongly encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate is a dedicated student, preferably with advanced understanding of thermodynamics, transport phenomena, system optimisation, and social studies.

Willingness to perform independently, yet within a collaborative environment, within a world-class competitive and highly demanding environment are a must.

Demonstrable prior knowledge of research methods is desirable, but not necessary.

Dedication to supporting teaching and learning is required, as well as an ability to maintain active communication among different stakeholders.

ELIGIBILITY

First-class degree at the MEng or MSc level is required.

Funds are only available to cover UK/EU level fees and stipend.

APPLICATION

Please apply directly through the online applications portal: www.ucl.ac.uk/adminsys/search/

When completing the online application, applicants should nominate Professor Alberto Striolo as supervisor and specify the studentship in their personal statement.

For enquiries about the studentship, please contact Prof. Alberto Striolo: a.striolo@ucl.ac.uk