Postgraduate Research Opportunities
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Work with us on a research project in your area of interest.
The WaRe3 Research Group is open to supervise summer scholars, masters and doctoral students who have a strong interest in the field of waste processing and resource recovery research or associated areas.
We have expertise in a range of technologies and research approaches and well-equipped laboratories. Research topics depend on student’s specific interests, however, some possible research projects or areas are listed below.
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Pharmaceutical waste treatment
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Anaesthetic gas capture
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Biomass pyrolysis for value add production
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Hydrothermal processing of hazardous waste
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Catalytic hydrothermal processing
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Thermal hydrolysis of sludge
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Biodegradation of plastic waste
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Anaerobic digestion for bioenergy and biofertiliser
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Subcritical water extraction
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Supercritical CO2 extraction
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Please contact Associate Professor Saeid Baroutian if you are interested in pursuing a research degree with us or would like to be involved on a research project with the group.
Explore our postgraduate research programmes:
Open Positions
FULLY FUNDED PhD Position in "Siloxanes Removal from Landfill Gas"
This research aims to develop a new adsorbent material and a capture technology that is capable of the complete removal of volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) from landfill gas (LFG). A novel adsorbent will be developed by introducing new functional groups to its surface for high capacity and selective separation of VMSs. The technology will be scaled up by undertaking techno-economic, process modelling, and optimisation research.
Eligibility
1. Applicants should have Bachelor and/or Master degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering.
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2. Applicants should be present in New Zealand at the time of applying or be an Australian citizen.
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3. Applicants should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland.
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4. Applicants should be able to travel to conduct a series of field-based experiments and should have a valid driver’s license.
How to apply
Please send a single PDF file containing the following documents to A/Prof Saeid Baroutian on s.baroutian@auckland.ac.nz before 15 March 2021:
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Cover letter specifically addressing how the candidate complies with the eligibility requirements
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CV
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Academic transcripts
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Name and email addresses of two referees
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FULLY FUNDED PhD Position in "Urea Removal from Dairy Processing Water"
A fully funded PhD position is available to evaluate the use of different urea removal processes to allow the reduction of water use in the dairy industry. The specific aim of the project is to develop an innovative and efficient technology which is low cost, environmentally friendly and capable of handling large volume of dairy processing water. The process will be otimised to ensure complete removal of urea from dairy processing water and to maximise technological, economic, and environmental performance. The fundamental mechanisms occurring within the treatment process will also be investigated.
Eligibility
1. Applicants should have:
Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or equivalent) with First Class or Second Class (division I) Honours
or
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering with First Class or Second Class (division I) Honours
​2. Applicants must be a New Zealand Citizen/Permanent Resident or present in New Zealand at the time of applying.
​3. Applicants should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland.
4. Candidates should be able to start immediately.
How to apply
Please send a single PDF file containing the following documents to A/Prof Saeid Baroutian on s.baroutian@auckland.ac.nz before 15 April 2021:
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Cover letter specifically addressing how the candidate complies with the eligibility requirements
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CV
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Academic transcripts
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Name and email addresses of two referees
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