PhD scholarship in Process Development, Australia

University of Queensland - School of Chemical Engineering

PhD Scholarship in Process Development of a novel process for recovering a valuable product from an industrial waste.

The University of Queensland is ranked in the top 1% of International Universities according to the Times Higher Education's 2010-2011 World University Rankings. The School of Chemical Engineering is a recognised research strength of the University and staff are associated with six leading research centres. The school is a major research provider to the minerals industry through its metallurgy program, has strong links with industry and has secured a number of strategic partnerships. These collaborations provide for teaching and research programs which are responsive to ongoing industry development.

This project looks at a major problem in the Aluminium industry which is the disposal of approximately 40,000 tonnes per year of a hazardous waste known as spent pot-lining (SPL). It contains significant levels of leachable fluoride and is currently being stored awaiting a suitable treatment technology. The School of Chemical Engineering was awarded an Australian Post-graduate Award (Industry) to develop a novel low-energy and low-cost process for extracting the fluoride from SPL as a useful aluminium fluoride product that can be recycled back into the aluminium industry. If commercialised the benefit will be an end to the stockpiling of SPL in Australia and rest of the world, a more sustainable aluminium industry, and protection of the world's natural fluoride resources. The project is a collaboration between the School of Chemical Engineering and Fluorsid SpA; a fluorochemical company based in Italy.

The role: We are seeking a PhD candidate to join a multi-disciplinary team to develop the novel process. The candidate will carry out experiments looking at both leaching and precipitation. There will be a strong emphasis on the crystallisation of AlF2OH where particle size and purity must meet strict requirements. It is expected that the project will set the candidate up for a career in the aluminium industry, although the chemical principles learned are transferable to many other sectors. The project will involve a period of research in Italy with the sponsoring company.

The person: Applicants should have (or soon to complete) an undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or related discipline. Considerable laboratory experience and a strong interest in process development are desirable.
Remuneration: The stipend is valued at $27,000-$30,000 per year, tax free for 3 years. Both Australian and International applicants are welcome to apply.
Contact: To discuss the role contact Dr Karen Steel, telephone +617 3365 3977 or email karen.steel@uq.edu.au .

Applications should contain:
(1) covering letter outlining your reasons for applying and suitability for the position
(2) up-to-date CV, and
(3) academic transcript.

Send applications to:
Finance and HR Officer
School of Chemical Engineering
The University of Queensland
ST LUCIA QLD 4072
AUSTRALIA
or email finance@chemeng.uq.edu.au.

Please state in your correspondence that you are applying for the "PhD scholarship in Process Development".

This scholarship is being readvertised. If you applied previously please email Dr Karen Steel for feedback.

Applications close December 31, 2010