Research Fellow in Ion Exchange Processes

Role Description

A stimulating opportunity has arisen to advance resource recovery in the wastewater sector.

About the Role

This role will support the delivery of the EPHIC project, ‘Electrochemically assisted Phosphorus and Humics recovery via Ion exChange’, with a particular focus on the Cranfield University contribution to ion exchange processes for phosphorus and humics removal and recovery from water and wastewater streams.

You will design and run experiments, analyse and interpret research data, and contribute to the development of an intensified ion exchange process integrated with regenerant recovery. The work will help advance a novel treatment approach that aims to achieve very low phosphate concentrations across municipal, industrial and surface waters, while reducing conventional chemical inputs and supporting the recovery of valuable products, such as phosphoric acid and humics. You will also contribute to technical reporting, academic publications and collaborative project activities with international partners across the consortium.

This role sits within Cranfield’s research activity in sustainable water and resource recovery and contributes to the international EPHIC consortium which brings together partners from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and Spain. The project combines expertise in ion exchange, electrochemistry, membrane processes and product evaluation to develop circular solutions for phosphorus and humics recovery from water and wastewater. Through this collaboration, Cranfield is helping to advance practical, scalable technologies that support circular economy objectives, reduced chemical use, water reuse, and the production of valuable recovered products for agricultural and industrial applications.

About You

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject such as water treatment, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering, or a closely related discipline. You should have experience in planning and conducting experimental research, analysing complex datasets, and communicating findings clearly through reports and scientific papers.

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in ion exchange processes and resource recovery from water and wastewater, ideally with knowledge of adsorption, regeneration, membrane or electrochemical processes, or related treatment technologies. You will be able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative, interdisciplinary and international research environment, with the organisational and communication skills needed to support project delivery and high-quality research outputs.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply                                   

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Professor Ana Soares, Professor of Biotechnology Engineering, on (E): a.soares@cranfield.ac.uk

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further details on E: peoplerecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk. Please quote reference number 5286.

Closing date for receipt of applications:   5 May 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.