Research Assistant – Water Treatment Technologies

Research Assistant – Water Treatment Technologies About The Role

The Department of Chemical Engineering is recruiting a Research Assistant to support a pioneering research on GAC regeneration for drinking water treatment.

Funded by OFWAT under the Water Breakthrough Challenge 4 Catalyst Stream, this role requires a 24‑month commitment to run an activated carbon pilot plant as part of a partnership between Swansea University and Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water).

The project investigates innovative in‑situ regeneration techniques for granular activated carbon (GAC), a key process used in drinking water treatment to remove natural organic matter and other contaminants. The goal is to develop more sustainable and cost‑effective alternatives to conventional carbon regeneration methods, contributing to improved water treatment resilience and reduced environmental impacts.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering this research programme through operation and evaluation of a pilot‑scale GAC treatment system at a Welsh Water treatment works. Responsibilities include field sampling, laboratory analysis, data management, statistical evaluation of results, and preparation of technical reports and presentations. The role involves close collaboration with academic researchers, water industry specialists, and process scientists to generate high‑quality data that informs future investment decisions and potential full‑scale implementation of the technology, with opportunities to contribute to publications and dissemination activities.

Based within the Department of Chemical Engineering at Swansea University, the Research Assistant will spend part of their time working at operational water treatment facilities and travelling between project sites. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to applied research with direct industry impact while developing expertise in water treatment technologies, pilot plant operation, environmental monitoring, and analytical laboratory techniques.

Applicants should possess a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, together with strong practical laboratory and data management skills. Experience in water treatment, environmental monitoring, or pilot plant operation would be advantageous.

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 – a little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1‑hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution; our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable staff to engage with it as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.