PhD Studentship: Understanding Pathogen Reduction Mechanism(s) in Vermifilter ‘Tiger’ Toilets

Application closing date: 22/05/2024

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

Start date: 03/06/2024   

Studentship funding 

Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this DTP studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,000 (tax free) plus fees* for three years.

Type of opportunity

Type of studentship: DTP

Fee status of eligible applicants: UK

Duration of Award if full time preferred*:  3 years

1st Supervisor: Dr May Sule   

2nd Supervisor: Dr Francis Hassard

Opportunity Reference No: SWEE0249 

Introductory Paragraph 

An exciting PhD studentship opportunity fully-funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). This project would suit students with a background in environmental and civil engineering, water and wastewater, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or other similar sciences. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. 

Main Copy (advised structure)

This project relates to the field of environmental and civil engineering, water and wastewater, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or other similar sciences. Thousands of vermiform-based wastewater treatment and sanitation systems have been installed primarily in the global south. 

This PhD will aim to provide a fundamental understanding of the pathogen reduction mechanisms in vermifilter technology.

The expected impact of the research project will be improved understanding and performance of vermiform-based wastewater treatment and sanitation systems.   

A successful applicant will benefit from skills training in the following areas: biological engineering reactor design, molecular microbiology, molecular ecology and bioinformatics. You will also have the opportunity to attend conferences. 

The Water theme at Cranfield is internationally recognised for its cutting-edge transformational research on integrated solutions to the world’s most profound water challenges alongside interdisciplinary health and environment research within a context of equitable and sustainable development. The student will benefit from Cranfield’s significant experience in water and wastewater bench and pilot project set-ups and from the wide range of technical training and development needed to support them in research design and personal development. This includes a wide range of transferable skills training all through the 3-year PhD. Furthermore, the student will have the opportunity to join the EPSRC funded Water-WISER Centre for Doctoral Training as an affiliated student, joining a cohort of like-minded students from across three universities (Leeds, Cranfield and Loughborough), and have full access to a series of customised training programmes.

Entry requirements

Candidates should hold a minimum Upper Second Class (2.1) honours MEng degree or Merit MSc degree in Engineering, or similar relevant Science discipline.

Funding

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations  

How to apply  

For information contact:
Name: May Sule
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01234752945 

Academic profile link: https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/people/dr-may-sule-31788821        

If you’re eligible to apply for this studentship, complete the online application form .

For information about applications please contact: [email protected]