At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle the challenge of removing forever chemicals from drinking water through innovative research.
- Company: Join a leading doctoral centre focused on water infrastructure and resilience.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD, training in advanced skills, and opportunities for international placements.
- Other info: Collaborate with top researchers and industry partners in a dynamic academic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental issues while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Open to all motivated individuals with a passion for solving environmental problems.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
This exciting fully funded PhD will address the urgent challenge of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in drinking water. Working with leading UK water industry partners, the student will investigate PFAS removal by adsorption processes using laboratory experiments and will use the findings to develop simple tools to predict treatment performance and improve drinking water protection.
The project will investigate PFAS removal by GAC using laboratory experiments, and the experimental findings will be used to develop practical predictive tools that can help water companies predict when treatment performance will decline and make better decisions on GAC replacement. The student will explore how the chemical properties of different PFAS and the composition of the water influence treatment performance and operation lifetime.
The project will provide training in environmental chemistry, laboratory experimentation, advanced chemical analysis and data interpretation. The student will work closely with leading researchers and water industry partners, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions for safeguarding drinking water.
Applicants from a broad range of disciplines are welcome, including environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and related subjects. Previous experience in water treatment or modelling is not required; curiosity, enthusiasm and a desire to solve real‑world environmental problems are the most important qualities.
The successful candidate will be based at Cranfield University and the project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), which includes a bespoke four‑year doctoral training programme in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world‑leading experimental facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to undertake an international placement.
Application Information: Remote or on‑site students are eligible. The position is open to applicants with UK Home status.
Removing forever chemicals from drinking water - PhD studentship in Cranfield employer: European Geosciences Union (EGU)
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment in the heart of Scotland's capital. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the School of GeoSciences fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovative research and teaching excellence. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, access to world-class resources, and the chance to engage in impactful research addressing global challenges, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about hydrology and environmental sciences.
Contact Details:
European Geosciences Union (EGU) Recruitment Team
