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Institution: University of Surry
United Kingdom
Retrieved : 2017-07-21 Expired
Description :

Moving toward the SDG’s for geotechnical solutions

The University of Surrey, in collaboration with Keller Group Plc, is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to join the Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability programme. Hosted by the internationally acclaimed Centre for Environment and Sustainability, the Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability programme is the first of its kind, offering talented and ambitious researchers a unique experience in collaborative research spanning industry and academia.

There is much evidence to support the contribution of the built environment in carbon reduction. However much of the research has focused on those elements/materials above ground. It is postulated however that there may also be significant proportionate value in understanding the embodied energy in both materials and techniques that provide the ground engineering solutions (geotechnical solutions such as Heavy foundations and Ground improvement). Currently this is not the case as detailed understanding of the market, influencers and material security is limited from both an academic and execution perspective.

As a researcher on this programme (“Doctoral Practitioner” or “DP”), you will be primarily based with your industrial sponsor (“Partnering Organisation” or “PO”), Keller, for the majority of your time on the programme, which will give you valuable industry experience that you could not otherwise gain from a “traditional” PhD. You will benefit from a personalised programmeof skills training and academic modules; input from academic and industrial supervisors; a generous living stipend; flexible options for the length of study and the type of qualification you complete (ie. PhD or EngD). No other doctoral programme will offer you this level of flexibility and control over your studies. By completing a doctoral programme that is tailored to meet your specific needs, you will become best-equipped to fulfil your future ambitions as a sustainability leader, be it in academia or in industry.

Applications are invited from self-motivated and enthusiastic candidates who should have completed a Masters or Bachelors’ degree in a relevant subject.  Any prior working experience will be helpful. The candidate must be able to display a strong capacity for independent thought, as well as a pragmatic attitude to working within industry.  Having considered the Project Brief, candidates will be expected to clearly outline the relevance of their prior experiences and motivation for applying in their covering letter.

 

Project Deliverables

A body of work which provides a deeper understanding of the contribution, the commercial case and intellectual capital, of the impact of geotechnical solutions. A focus on embodied energy, and critical materials of the processes necessary to deliver sustainable geotechnical solutions.

The project will employ life cycle approaches to evaluate, describe and improve the sustainable impact.
Business relevant key performance indicators will be identified and used to determine areas of the business that require re-alignment to SDG’s. These will be developed through close interaction with key actors in the relevant divisions of the company

 

Background

Keller is the world’s largest ground engineering specialist. With offices in over 40 countries on 6 continents we employ over 9000 staff. The Keller roots date back to 1860 and from a relatively humble beginning it has been built around engineering excellence, safety and continuous innovation. We transfer our technologies around the globe giving clients the benefit of our international vision.

Project Aims

There is much evidence to support the contribution of the built environment in carbon reduction. However much of the research has focused on those elements/materials above ground. It is postulated however that there may also be significant proportionate value in understanding the embodied energy in both materials and techniques that provide the ground engineering solutions (geotechnical solutions such as Heavy foundations and Ground improvement).  Currently this is not the case as detailed understanding of the market, influencers and material security is limited from both an academic and execution perspective.

Person specification

Degree (or equivalent) of a least 2:1 Ideally some work experience – not necessarily in construction A passion for the environment and some basic knowledge of sustainability Inquisitive nature Strong communication skills are necessary and evidence of stakeholder engagement at all levels is required. The candidate must be able to display a capacity for independent thought, as well as a pragmatic attitude to working within industry Self-motivation Enthusiasm Ability and aptitude to acquire new skills Time / project management Enjoy travel

 

How to Apply

To apply for this project, please contact d.richardson@surrey.ac.uk Apply to the same e-mail address for an information pack which will include:

A Project Brief; Information about the Centre for Environment and Sustainability; Details of the Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability programme.

Key Dates and Information

This project is due to begin no later than 2ndOctober 2017. The successful candidate will be based in London.  The candidate will spend an initial 12 weeks in Guildford undertaking intensive sustainability and personal development training.

The programme will run for a minimum of three years with the opportunity to extend to four years, dependant on the wishes of the Partnering Organisation and the DP.

The successful candidate will receive a generous stipend of £18,000 per annum throughout this time (with potential to increase to c. £20,000 per annum after two years). Stipends are usually tax-free and DPs will also benefit from an additional £500 p.a. allowance for attendance at conferences etc. In addition to this, full-time tuition fees will be covered at the current Home/EU rate for the duration of the programme.

The deadline for applications isSunday 6thAugust andInterviews for this post will take place in London on Monday 21stAugust.  

Skype will be available for any participants unable to be at the University in person.

 

Closing Date: 06 Aug 2017
Category: PhD Studentships





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