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EPSRC PhD Studentship
Impact of microbial metabolism on radioactive materials
This project is part of the EPSRC DIAMOND (Decommissioning, Immobilisation and Management of Nuclear wastes for Disposal) consortium.
Supervisors: Dr Katherine Morris, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds;
Prof. Jonathan Lloyd, Williamson Centre for Molecular Environmental Science, SEAES, The University of Manchester; Dr Nicholas Bryan, School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester.
The UK nuclear waste legacy consists of complex and heterogeneous wastes contaminated with both radioactive isotopes and toxic, stable co-contaminants. Microbial metabolism has the potential to drastically alter the chemistry of radioactively contaminated environments, altering the structure of nuclear waste storage materials and controlling radionuclide speciation and mobility. However, we know almost nothing about the microbial diversity of nuclear waste forms of relevance to the UK, the processes that microbial communities can catalyse, and the mechanisms by which these organisms potentially tolerate the extreme environments that exist at these sites. This studentship will examine the biogeochemistry of extreme environments in radioactive waste forms such as high radiation flux and extremes in pH. This multidisciplinary project will (i) assess the microbial community of key nuclear sites using targeted molecular ecology techniques; (ii) use culture and modelling experiments with analogue materials to assess the range of biogeochemical processes that are feasible in such environments; and (iii) determine the impact of the key microbial processes identified on materials performance and radionuclide speciation, with a view to controlling and/or exploiting biotransformations. Overall, the results from this study will lead to an improved understanding of the fundamental role of microorganisms in controlling the environmental behaviour of radionuclides in key UK waste forms, and ultimately inform improved management practices for these problematic materials.
The successful applicant will have experience in microbiology or biogeochemistry, an enthusiastic approach to multidisciplinary science and an interest in working with radionuclides.
Commencement date: 1st October 2008
Stipend: 3 years £12,900 stipend per annum and home/EU fees
Eligibility: minimum upper-second class (2.1) honours degree (UK / EU) in microbiology, chemistry, geochemistry or related subject. Applicants with relevant Masters level qualifications are also welcomed.
Application deadline 1st June 2008. Applicants need to complete a formal application (http://www.see.leeds.ac.uk/study/phd/application.htm) as well as provide CV (with name and contact details of two referees) and covering letter to m.lesnianski@leeds.ac.uk
Manchester launch of the AquaTRAIN Marie Curie Research Training Network
January 2007 saw the launch in Manchester of the AquaTRAIN Marie Curie Research Training Network. The launch meeting was opened by Professor Andrew Ball (Associate Dean, Graduate Education, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences) and Professor David Vaughan (Director, Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science).
The Coordinator, Dr David Polya of The School's Environmental Biogeochemistry and Microbiology Group, presented an outline of the programme and presentations from all 15 European partners were also made.
AquaTRAIN is a Marie Curie Research Training Network established specifically to develop a better understanding of the behaviour and environmental impact, including human health, of geogenic elements, in groundwater and soils in the European Union.
The AquaTRAIN research training network integrates leading centres in Europe active in soil/water systems research within a coherent framework of dedicated young researchers through a joint innovative research programme focused on the cycling of chemicals between soil/sediment and water, and the implications for environmental protection, remediation and management.
The Network has secured funding of 3.15 million euros (approx. 2 million pounds) which will support the appointment of 12 Early Stage Researchers (cf. PhDs) for 3 years and 3 Experienced Researchers (cf. Post-Docs) for either 3 years or 2.5 years, Network training workshops, attendance at international conferences, inter-laboratory visits and attracting international speakers to events. Details of the AquaTRAIN Network and job vacancies may be found at the AquaTRAIN website.