Research Assistant for ESRC IAA Project

Westfield State University; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution in North East England seeks a Research Assistant to support a project on phosphate removal from wastewater using ochre waste. Responsibilities include evaluating supplier relationships, developing supply chain models, and conducting Life Cycle Assessments. This is a fixed-term role funded by the ESRC, lasting for 6 months, working with academic and industrial partners in the field.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate supplier relationships and market effects.
• Develop optimised supply chain model and material flow strategies.
• Optimise transportation and processing efficiency.
• Evaluate contract mechanisms for commercial adoption.
• Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of ochre recovery process.

Job description

The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant (RA) to support the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) research project titled "Ochre-Based Phosphate Removal in Wastewater Treatment: A Feasibility Study on Supply Chain, Economic, and Environmental Impacts."

This project will evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of converting ochre waste into iron salts for phosphate removal in wastewater treatment. You will investigate supply chain ramifications and dynamics, logistics optimisation, economic viability, and environmental impacts to ensure commercial sustainability and regulatory compliance. Your tasks will include:

1. Evaluating supplier relationships, market effects, logistics dependencies, and long-term resource availability.
2. Developing an optimised supply chain model, including supplier roles, sourcing locations, and material flow strategies.
3. Optimising transportation, storage, and processing efficiency by integrating inventory management, material handling, and reverse logistics strategies.
4. Evaluating suitable contract mechanisms for commercial adoption.
5. Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the ochre recovery process and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations (e.g. heavy metal limits).

The successful applicant will work alongside the project PI, Dr Nail Tahirov, Prof. Atanu Chaudhuri, and Mr. Chris Jones from project partner Northumbrian Water Ltd, as well as Prof. H. Chris Greenwell, and Prof Gavin J. Bridge.

This RA role is funded by the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Fund. This post is fixed term for 6 months and may not be extendible for a further length of time.