PhD Position

PhD Scholarship in the School of Engineering, RMIT University

Project Title : Remediation of PFAS in current and legacy biosolids application sites

Project Summary
This project aims to develop novel immobilisation, adsorption and/or thermal destruction methods for biosolids, soils and groundwaters that are contaminated with per- and poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS). Biosolids generated during waste water treatment carry an unknown potential risk of soil and groundwater PFAS contamination, through their application in agriculture and rehabilitation sites. This Australian Research Council (ARC) project funded jointly with University of Newcastle will provide major investigations of the release, fate and remediation of perfluorinated compounds in relation to their environmental pathways through wastewater treatment plants in Australia. There will be total 2 PhDs (1 at RMIT University and 1 University of Newcastle) working on this project. This advertisement is for RMIT University PhD student and the focus will be the investigations on the thermal destruction/immobilisation of PFAS in biosolids or biosolids applied soil. The overall project data generated will be evaluated together in a team to determine if perfluorinated compounds should be further incorporated into Australian soil and water quality monitoring programs. The project will provide evidence of research advice and methodologies being successfully adopted by water industry end-users, government regulatory agencies and private remediation industries.

The role: PhD candidate 2019 – 2021

This PhD position is funded from a joint ARC PFAS Special Research Initiative grant obtained by University of Newcastle, RMIT University and water industry to support the production of knowledge and development of PFAS remediation technology that is systematically implemented in the university educational settings. The PhD candidate will be supported with a scholarship funded by the ARC-Industries as well as by the RMIT University based at RMIT’s School of Engineering. The candidate may need to visit industry sites to collect samples and present the progress.

Benefits
The scholarship (stipend) is valued at $31,000 per annum for 3 years (2019 – 2021).

Eligibility

• open to Australian Citizens and permanent residents of Australia only
• have a degree in chemical or environmental engineering, chemistry or environmental science or related field
• provide evidence of good oral and written communication skills
• demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary research team
• meet RMIT University’s entry requirements for the Higher Degree by Research programs.