This amazing fully funded PhD opportunity comes with an enhanced stipend of £24,000 per annum and will deliver important outcomes for drinking water quality in the UK. Through determining the physico-chemical properties that influence the removal of an important group of micropollutants from drinking water – the so called forever ‘PFAS’ chemicals – the project will develop resilient strategies for improved operation of water treatment systems. The successful candidate will benefit from being part of a cohort of 12 students on the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), a world leading collaboration between three UK universities. The WIRe programme includes bespoke training in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for industrial placements, overseas travel and access to world leading experimental facilities. More details about the WIRe CDT programme can be found at www.cdtwire.com (PhDs under this scheme are for a duration of four years full time).
Currently, the sectors’ favoured option is to utilise granular activated carbon (GAC) for removal of PFAS due to its widescale use, alongside a reasonable level of removal for a range of PFAS. While it is known that different PFAS have different affinity for removal by adsorption on GAC, it is increasingly being shown that the background matrix, plays a very significant role in controlling the adsorption of PFAS onto GAC, through competition and complexation processes. Some organic compounds reportedly complex with PFAS which, in some cases, favours the removal of the contaminant, while for others it can be reduced. It is also known that background organic matter, and other ions in the water, compete for adsorption spaces on the GAC, reducing its utilisation for removal of PFAS. This project will characterise the organic matter-PFAS-adsorbent interactions which in turn will have the potential to change our understanding of PFAS removal mechanisms.
Using a combination of real and model water sources, experiments will establish how different PFAS chemicals interact with organic matter and other contaminants in the water. This will be achieved by measuring the partitioning of PFAS onto sorbents and observing how this changes with the addition of different types of organic matter and salts. Direct methods for establishing interactions between organic matter, PFAS and adsorbent surfaces will also be explored (for example, using atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy).
The project has huge potential to influence best practice for managing PFAS in UK source waters, resulting in better drinking water quality, longer operational run times before regeneration for adsorption processes, and associated reductions in operational costs and reduced carbon footprint.
The project is an exciting collaboration between Cranfield University and three UK water companies (Anglian, Thames and Yorkshire Water). Working with our fantastically engaged project partners, this work will enable water companies to develop strategies for control of PFAS in order for them to meet the regulatory requirements for minimisation. Fundamentally, this project will deliver important new scientific insights into the partitioning of pollutants onto adsorbents.
At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water sector or in an academic role. We will help you develop into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) with an international network of colleagues.
At a glance
- Application deadline 19 Mar 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date29 Sep 2025
- Duration of award4 years
- EligibilityUK, Rest of world
- Reference numberSWEE0284
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as chemistry, environmental science or an engineering subject. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research. Prior experience in the water sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
Funding
This studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.
This fully funded studentship is sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and three UK water companies (Anglian, Thames and Yorkshire Water), this PhD studentship will provide a bursary of £24,000 (tax free) and cover registration fees for four years.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Prof Peter Jarvis
Email: p.jarvis@cranfield.ac.uk
This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.
