Research Assistant – Water Treatment Technologies

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

The Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting a Research Assistant to support a pioneering research on GAC regeneration for drinking water treatment.

Funded by OFWAT under the Water Breakthrough Challenge 4 Catalyst Stream, a Research Assistant is required (for a period of 24 months) to run an activated carbon pilot plant as part of a partnership between Swansea University and the water industry led by Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water).

This exciting opportunity will support a collaborative research project investigating innovative in-situ regeneration techniques for granular activated carbon (GAC), a key process used in drinking water treatment to remove natural organic matter and other contaminants. The project aims to develop more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional carbon regeneration methods, contributing to improved water treatment resilience and reduced environmental impacts.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering this innovative research programme through the operation and evaluation of a pilot-scale GAC treatment system located at Welsh Water treatment works. Responsibilities will include field sampling, laboratory analysis, data management, statistical evaluation of results, and preparation of technical reports and presentations. The role will involve close collaboration with academic researchers, water industry specialists, and process scientists to generate high-quality data that will inform future investment decisions and potential full-scale implementation of the technology, while providing opportunities to contribute to publications and dissemination activities.

Based within the Department of Chemical Engineering at Swansea University, the Research Assistant will spend a proportion of their time working at operational water treatment facilities and travelling between project sites. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to applied research with direct industry impact while developing expertise in water treatment technologies, pilot plant operation, environmental monitoring, and analytical laboratory techniques.

Applicants should possess a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, together with strong practical laboratory and data management skills. Experience in water treatment, environmental monitoring, or pilot plant operation would be advantageous.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

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