Masters Student for WRC Wastewater Project (TRU)

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE

THERMODYNAMICS RESEARCH UNIT (TRU)

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

HOWARD COLLEGE CAMPUS

REF NO.: TRU_MSc 01/2017

The Thermodynamics Research Unit is one of the largest and most productive research groups in the School of Engineering and undertakes research in the area of chemical thermodynamics and separation technology.

Context and challenges

The removal of non-biodegradable organic pollutants present in wastewater especially from pharmaceuticals, as well as pesticides used in agriculture remains an environmental concern since conventional treatment methods are not effective in this regard. Although, the application of physical chemical methods such as ozonation, UV irradiation have been effective, the need for chemical additives that are classified as hazardous and its subsequent disposal as special waste calls for a novel technique that is free from the use of chemicals. The plasma process for water disinfection does not require any hazardous substances such as hydrogen peroxide to be added in comparison to the well-established advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Therefore, within the application area for wastewater, this research aims to explore the development and application of non-thermal plasma technology for wastewater treatment. This project is funded by the WRC.

We are looking for a BSc. Eng / M.Eng or BSc. graduate with skills in data treatment, analysis and writing, as well as keen attention to detail as related to research. The candidate should be available to start in 01 July 2017.

The candidate will be expected to work in a multidisciplinary environment, interacting with a large team of postgraduate students and researchers performing cutting-edge research that contributes to chemical process/product development and optimisation.

Minimum Requirements:

·       B.Sc. Eng. (Chemical Engineering) or M. Eng./ Chemistry Honours with one (1)-year relevant work experience in a research environment.

·       A high level of competency in the use MS-Office software, particularly Word and Excel, and drawing software like CAD or Solid Edge, as well as a Computational Fluid Dynamics software.

For enquiries about the project and funding  please contact:

Dr. Samuel Iwarere – iwarere@ukzn.ac.za       031 2602858

Dr Paramespri Naidoo – naidoop18@ukzn.ac.za    031 2603177

The applicant should include the following:

-          A comprehensive CV;

-          The names and contact details of two referees.

The advert Reference Number MUST be clearly stated in the subject line.