Take on the Challenge of Forever Chemicals in Water – Fully Funded MSc by Research!
Are you passionate about making a real-world impact on environmental challenges? This fully funded MSc by Research, offering a generous enhanced stipend of ÂŁ24,000 per year, is an exciting opportunity to join the fight against PFAS – the so-called “forever chemicals” threatening our water sources. Sponsored by Anglian Water, this hands-on experimental project will explore advanced adsorption treatment using activated carbon and ion exchange to remove PFAS from drinking water. As the successful candidate, you’ll work in close collaboration with industry experts at Anglian Water and benefit from Cranfield University’s tailored researcher training programme – setting you up for a rewarding career in water science and environmental technology.
Project Background and Aims
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” represent a growing challenge for drinking water providers due to their persistence and potential health impacts. Water utilities across the UK, including Anglian Water, are developing strategies to meet new regulatory guidelines and enhance the resilience of water supply systems.
Anglian Water are assessing the potential of combined granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange treatment to remove PFAS from water sources used for drinking. Part of the planning process involves evaluating operational aspects of these treatment processes such as contact time, media type and regeneration. This MSc by Research project aims to support these goals by experimentally evaluating advanced adsorption and ion exchange-based strategies for PFAS removal and contributing critical data to inform Anglian Water’s long-term treatment roadmap.
Working in collaboration with Anglian Water and academic supervisors at Cranfield, the student will:
– Investigate and compare the performance of various adsorbents for PFAS removal using rapid small-scale column testing (RSSCT).
– Evaluate the influence of contact time, media type, and multi-stage configurations on treatment efficacy.
– Characterise the scientific mechanisms that influence PFAS adsorption
The outputs of this project will inform decision-making stakeholder teams within Anglian water to form short- and medium-term PFAS abatement strategies.
Cranfield Water Science Institute and Anglian Water
The student will be based within the Cranfield Water Science Institute (CWSI), a globally recognised centre of excellence in water research. CWSI has an outstanding reputation for developing innovative drinking water treatment technologies and has led numerous national and international projects focused on emerging contaminants, including PFAS.
Anglian Water is one of the largest water and wastewater companies in the UK, serving over six million customers across the East of England. Renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation, Anglian Water is at the forefront of addressing emerging challenges in water quality and resource management. The company plays a leading role in the industry’s efforts to reduce pollution, protect public health, and support climate resilience. Through this studentship, Anglian Water is investing in cutting-edge research to develop practical, science-based solutions to the growing threat of PFAS in drinking water—demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding water for future generations.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will be enrolled in Cranfield’s bespoke researcher training programme, gaining key skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and professional development. The student will also have the opportunity to regularly present findings to Anglian Water and contribute to publications or conference presentations.
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 support your development 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 deadline13 Aug 2025
- Award type(s)MSc by Research
- Start date29 Sep 2025
- Duration of award1 Year
- EligibilityUK, Rest of world
- Reference numberSWEE0296
Supervisor
1st Supervisor: Dr Irene Carra
2nd Supervisor: Prof Peter Jarvis
Entry requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic applicant who wants to make a difference to the PFAS challenge. Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This is a multidisciplinary project and, therefore, different backgrounds could fit the project requirements such as chemical or civil engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or other relevant engineering/science degree. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research.
We are looking for a candidate that can meet as many of the following criteria as possible:
- Background knowledge in water treatment processes, particularly adsorption and ion exchange
- Laboratory experience, especially in conducting bench-scale experiments such as batch tests or column studies (e.g., RSSCTs), or setting up experimental rigs
- Familiarity with some of the analytical techniques used in water quality monitoring, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DOC measurement, liquid, gas chromatography or mass spectrometry
- Understanding of micropollutants in water
The ideal candidate will also have data analysis and interpretation skills, using software such as Microsoft Excel, R, Python or similar.
Funding
Sponsored by Sponsored by Anglian Water and Cranfield University, this MSc by research will provide a bursary of to ÂŁ24,000 (tax free) for living expenses plus registration fees* for one year.
*This opportunity is open to UK and International students.
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: Dr Irene Carra
Email: irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form.
Please note we will be interviewing as applications are received. This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged as soon as possible especially if you are an international student and may need additional documentation (visas etc)
For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.
