Soil-Capacitive Deionization (S-CDI): Mitigating Radionuclide Spread in Groundwater Flows

The uncontrolled release of radionuclides into the environment is often a consequence of an incident or from degrading/aging nuclear facilities. Globally, there are many examples of migrating radionuclide plumes, with concerns that plumes could enter rivers and waters, posing a risk to the environment and human health. Isolation at source is a preferred strategy, but while several engineering solutions have been tested and some implemented, the success of those strategies remains limited. As many nuclear facilities approach end-of-life and decommissioning programs ramp-up, new methods to prevent radionuclide release at the source are highly desired. The proposed study will develop and demonstrate a new engineering barrier based on the concept of capacitive deionization (CDI). Its scalability and flexibility is uniquely suited to the problem, and the current research will adapt the method so it can be implemented sub-surface to treat groundwater and radionuclide plumes.<br /> <br /> We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate with 1st class honours or 2:1 in an Engineering/Science discipline to join the Nuclear Engineering research group in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering. The chosen candidate will have access to world leading research facilities in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and will have the opportunity to undertake a research placement.<br /> <br /> This project is part of a Cohort wide recruitment process onto the GREEN CDT and funding for individual projects will be determined by selection of the best Candidate(s).<br />

<p><a href="https://www.nuclear-energy-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/">Centre for Doctoral Training in Nuclear Energy &ndash;&nbsp;GREEN</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC CDT Nuclear Energy-GREEN</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Soil-Capacitive Deionization (S-CDI): Mitigating Radionuclide Spread in Groundwater Flows</strong></em>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/346/associate-professor-david-harbottle">Associate Professor David Harbottle</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 28 April 2023:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>Undertake a fully-funded, four-year Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) PhD in GREEN (Growing skills for Reliable Economic Energy from Nuclear) and take your place among the next generation of nuclear experts. The GREEN CDT is a consortium of the five universities of Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. This is a fully funded studentship which includes:</p> <ul> <li>UKRI rate stipend (currently &pound;17,668 for academic session 2022/23) and full academic fees.</li> <li>Generous travel and consumables allowance to support project of &pound;22,500.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Associate Professor David Harbottle:&nbsp;e: <a href="mailto:d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk">d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 4154.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>