CDT WIRe (Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience)

CDT WIRe is funded by EPSRC and run by three world-leading water research groups at internationally-renowned universities:

• The Cranfield Water Science Institute at Cranfield University
• The Sheffield Water Centre at the University of Sheffield
• The Water and Environmental Engineering groups at Newcastle University

It is an inclusive and diverse doctoral centre and welcomes applications from all highly motivated individuals, regardless of background, identity or disability.

Homepage: https://cdtwire.com/

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 offers excellent training programme opportunities alongside close collaboration with industry and outstanding career development opportunities.

This PhD 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.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines, 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.

Click here for information on how to apply and other opportunities available with CDT WIRe. The position is open to applicants with UK Home status.