Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship: Imperial College London invites applications for a PhD studentship focused on investigating the environmental weathering of plastics during their transport in fluvial and coastal environments. This interdisciplinary research will combine experimental physical modeling and analytical chemistry, with collaborative opportunities through the Imperial – TUM Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies (JADS).
Interdisciplinary PhD Studentship in Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Toxicology
Designation:
PhD Studentship
Research Area:
Environmental Fluid Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Toxicology, Analytical Chemistry
Location:
Imperial College London, with annual visits to the Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Eligibility/Qualification:
- A first-class degree (or internationally equivalent) in environmental engineering, civil/mechanical engineering, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, or closely related disciplines.
- Willingness and capacity to learn about interdisciplinary expertise.
- Excellent English writing and communication skills (e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components or TOEFL 92 overall and minimum 20 in all elements).
- Proficient in MS Excel, programming, and data analysis (Python, Julia, MATLAB or similar).
Desirable (Non-essential) Qualifications:
- Experience in fluid mechanics/hydraulics/coastal laboratory and use of camera systems.
- Experience in analytical chemistry or related laboratory.
- Experience in vibrational spectroscopy.
- Related research experience.
Job Description:
The successful candidate will:
- Develop experimental physical models to simulate plastic transport in the Hydrodynamics Laboratory at Imperial.
- Analyze degradation products in specialized laboratories in the Environmental Research Group at Imperial.
- Spend two months annually at TUM, working with Prof. Miranda Schreurs’ Environmental and Climate Policy group.
- Participate actively in the JADS symposium and benefit from tailored training under the theme: “Health Resilience in a Changing Environment”.
- Conduct research under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Valero (Imperial, Hydrodynamics), Dr. Stephanie Wright (Imperial, Toxicology and Microplastics), and Prof. Miranda Schreurs (TUM, Environmental Policy).
How to Apply:
Send the following documents to Dr. Daniel Valero (d.valero@imperial.ac.uk) with the email header [JADS PhD Plastic degradation]:
- CV, including average grades and any relevant research experience.
- Study transcripts.
- Cover letter explaining motivation and suitability for the PhD project, and availability to start.
- Contact details of two academic referees.
Application via the Imperial College Registry is not necessary at this stage. Review of applications will be performed bi-weekly and will continue until the position is filled. For further details and informal discussions, contact Dr. Daniel Valero (d.valero@imperial.ac.uk) and/or Dr. Stephanie Wright (s.wright19@imperial.ac.uk).
Last Date for Application:
Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly until the position is filled. Early application is recommended.
