THIS IS A SELF FUNDED PROJECT
Available start dates: 1st October 2021, 1st January 2022, 1st April 2022, 1st July 2022.
Landfills are a major source of methane, one of the most significant climate-impacting pollutants. Although this can be, and is, recovered for energy generation, this is only possible over a relatively short span of the landfill’s active lifetime, and significant quantities of landfill gas, including methane, are emitted slowly into the atmosphere via leaks in the structure. It has been estimated that 3% of all UK greenhouse gas emissions are as a result of methane escaping from landfills.
This project aims to develop solutions to the challenge of landfill methane leaks by developing biocover materials and systems for application in landfill operations. These materials, constructed from organic constituents, host microorganisms which oxidise methane to carbon dioxide, which is less potent in its impact on the climate. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to worldwide efforts to limit anthropogenic climate change and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).
The successful candidate will be based at Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, and will be part of the Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC), an internationally renowned research group in the areas of waste and pollution management and ground engineering.
Candidates should hold a good undergraduate degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in a relevant engineering/science subject, such as Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science. Previous laboratory or field experience would be desirable but is not essential.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Candidates will be asked to undergo an assessment process including a test and interview.
Contact for further information
Dr Mike Harbottle ([Email Address Removed])
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;
- an upload of your CV
- a personal statement/covering letter
- two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
- Current academic transcripts
Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of:
PLEASE CHOOSE - 1st October 2021, 1st January 2022, 1st April 2022, 1st July 2022.
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for the self funded project , reference MJH1-SF-2021
Deadline for applications
31/12/2021 - We may however close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.