26 January 2021| Birmingham (West Midlands, England)
The University of Birmingham is looking for a Research Fellow in Desalination and Resource Recovery – Engineering and Physical Sciences – 12098 – Grade 7
DEADLINE: 12th February 2021
Project Description
Together with several EU partners, The University of Birmingham is participating in the IntelWATT project which aims to develop innovative, cost efficient, smart separation technologies applied in energy and water intensive industries. The overall goal is to demonstrate three case studies at TRL7 that will achieve water conservation along with energy production and resource recovery. The proposed solutions will also target zero liquid discharge while implementing maximum water reuse. Specifically, University of Birmingham will demonstrate a novel reverse osmosis (RO) desalination prototype for high recovery of valuable electrolytes and water in a plastic electroplating facility. The process is aiming towards recovering up to 95 % of chromium and copper and 50% of nickel, while preserving 65% of fresh water. This will extend to implementation of smart sensor technologies for online monitoring, real time process adaptation and deep learning, with customizable intelligent industrial process software based on an agnostic protocol connectivity cloud infrastructure.
Key responsibilities
• Collaborate with project partners, including other research organisations and industrial end users, to understand requirements and plan research.
• Develop mathematical and simulation models of membrane-based water treatment systems, selecting and applying software tools as appropriate.
• Develop prototype membrane-based treatment systems at University of Birmingham, especially desalination systems based on batch reverse osmosis – through preparation of specifications and designs, instrumentation, installation, and commissioning.
• Test the systems and analyse the results comparing to model predictions, recommending and implementing improvements accordingly.
• Assist with development and testing of scaled-up systems at sites of project partners.
• Undertake management and administration duties arising from the research.
• Contribute to writing bids for further research funding.
• Assist in supervision of students on related research work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, and presenting at seminars and conferences.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of the benefit to the School and University.
• Travel from time to time as required by the research programme.
Selection criteria (essential)
• First degree in chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline.
• Doctorate in relevant research area (or nearing completion) or equivalent industrial experience.
• Ability in analysis and modelling of process technologies and/or systems.
• Ability to design, modify and operate experimental equipment and to make and interpret observations reliably.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organisation of the research project.
• Co-ordinate 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.
Desirable
• MSc in chemical engineering, process engineering, water technology or related discipline.
• Experience of process automation and control, such as application of artificial intelligence techniques
• Experience of RO process design and simulation, including energy and economic aspects
Only applications no later than 12th February 2021 will be considered.
For Informal enquires can be made to Philip Davies: [email protected]
