ChSE News - ARC PhD Scholarship in Membrane Group for 2008

ARC PhD Scholarship in Membrane Group for 2008

PhD Scholarship in Membrane Science and Technology

Optimising Fouling Control in Membrane Bioreactors

A PhD Scholarship (2008-2010) is available via a project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) in The Centre for Membrane Science and Technology (School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering) to undertake research into understanding and control of fouling in membrane bioreactor systems used in water and wastewater treatment in collaboration with the Centre for Water and Waste Technology.

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are playing a rapidly growing role in treatment of water and wastewater and by providing an more compact and higher quality product than conventional activated sludge treatment. However, control of the foulant formation on membranes from complex fluids containing micro-organisms, proteins, polysaccharides and other organic components is a significant challenge and imposes significant costs in the running of MBRs

The aims of the ARC funded project are to

Investigate the evolution from macromolecular fouling to biofilm development and the cohesion of biofouling formed in aerobic and anaerobic membrane bioreactors under varying operational modes.
Investigate the optimal hydrodynamic forces for removal of biofouling from submerged membrane bioreactor surfaces and their effects on biofouling structure, microbial community, and foulant distribution using model and real MBR (aerobic and anaerobic) effluents.
Conduct a systematic hydrodynamic characterisation on module and bubbling configurations for submerged membrane systems and develop operational strategies to optimise energy usage and productivity in controlling biofouling in membrane bioreactors.

Applicants must;

Possess a B.E.(Chem. Eng.) Honors (1 or 2A) or equivalent degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline.
Be available for commencement in early or mid 2008.
Be able to drive to conduct pilot scale studies off campus.
Australian citizens and to those holding permanent residency (PR) status

Applicants should:

Show potential for high level of critical analysis and thinking
Be able follow occupational, health and safety requirements in undertaking research activities;
Be able to work both independently and as part of a team when required;
Display a high level of written and verbal communication skills.

Renumeration: Stipends of $25,000 per annum (tax free) will be provided for 3 years with the possibility of an additional paid (taxable) supplementary income available for those willing to undertake tutoring duties.

Contact: For further information, applicants should contact

A/Prof. Vicki Chen (v.chen@unsw.edu.au,

(02) 93854813,

School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering,

The University of New South Wales,

Sydney, NSW 2052)

A/Prof. Richard Stuetz (r.stuetz@unsw.edu.au,

(02) 93855944,

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering).

Download a copy of the criteria here.

Applicants should provide a CV and contact details for two academic referees with their expression of interest.