This research project, part of the Gates Foundation’s global health initiative, involves detailed chemical and biological analysis of liquid and solid waste from innovative toilet systems. Students will handle real human waste samples to develop robust protocols for solid and liquid waste characterization, microbial profiling, and safety validation, including pathogen screening. Focus areas include evaluating treatment efficiency, verifying compliance with ISO 30500, assessing nutrient recovery, and identifying potential environmental and health risks. Combining expertise in analytical chemistry, microbiology, waste treatment, and engineering, the project seeks to strengthen system reliability and generate critical evidence to guide the advancement and deployment of future sanitation technologies.
Key Research Areas: Analytical chemistry, waste treatment analysis, microbiology, biochemical analysis, sewage sample analysis, biological sciences, biotechnology, environmental chemistry, and waste characterization.
Chemical and biological analysis of waste streams represents a critical component of sustainable sanitation technology development, particularly as communities worldwide seek safe and effective waste treatment solutions. This multidisciplinary field combines analytical chemistry, microbiology, and environmental science to ensure sanitation technologies meet ISO 30500 standards while maximizing reinvited sanitation potential and minimizing environmental impact.
This project aims to develop comprehensive analytical frameworks for characterizing waste liquids and solids from innovative toilet systems, with focus on chemical composition analysis, microbial community assessment, and treatment efficacy evaluation. The research focuses on establishing standardized protocols for sewage sample analysis, investigating biological and chemical changes during waste treatment processes, and evaluating the ISO30500 and environmental impact of treated waste outputs. Students will develop expertise in advanced analytical techniques while contributing to the optimization of toilet system performance through rigorous scientific analysis and data interpretation.
Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. The Gates Foundation, a leading global philanthropic organization committed to improving health and reducing inequality worldwide.
The research is expected to produce validated analytical protocols for waste characterization, comprehensive databases of waste composition from Cranfield Toilet technologies, and evidence-based recommendations for optimizing waste treatment processes. Results will include published research in high-impact environmental and analytical chemistry journals, standardized testing methodologies for sanitation technology evaluation, and detailed reports on treatment efficacy and environmental safety.
This project offers exceptional opportunities including access to state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, collaboration with international sanitation technology developers, participation in environmental chemistry and waste treatment conferences, specialized training in advanced analytical techniques and microbiology methods, and direct contribution to technology development through analytical insights. Students will gain exposure to both cutting-edge analytical research and practical waste treatment challenges, providing a unique combination of technical expertise and real-world application that is highly valued in environmental consulting, biotechnology, and sanitation sectors.
Students will develop highly sought-after skills in analytical chemistry, microbiology, data analysis, and environmental assessment. The interdisciplinary nature of the research provides excellent preparation for careers in environmental consulting, biotechnology companies, water treatment industries, ISO agencies, or academic institutions. Graduates will possess strong analytical capabilities, laboratory management experience, data visualization skills, and proven ability to translate complex analytical findings into actionable recommendations, making them exceptionally competitive in today’s environmental and biotechnology job markets.
At a glance
- Application deadline: 13 Aug 2025
- Award type(s): MSc by Research, PhD
- Start date: 29 Sep 2025
- Duration of award: 1 year – MSc by Research. 3 years – PhD
- Eligibility: UK, Rest of world
- Reference number: SWEE0310 – MSc by Research. SWEE0311 – Phd
Supervisor
1st Supervisor: Dr Serap Ozmen
2nd Supervisor: Dr Shruti Sinai Borker
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.
This project would suit graduates with backgrounds in:
- Analytical Chemistry or Environmental Chemistry with laboratory experience in waste analysis
- Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering with focus on waste treatment and analytical methods
- Microbiology or Environmental Microbiology with experience in waste treatment systems
- Biotechnology or Bioengineering with analytical and laboratory skills
- Environmental Science with strong chemistry and laboratory analysis background
- Water and Wastewater Engineering with analytical chemistry expertise
Ideal candidates will have:
- Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation and laboratory procedures
- Previous exposure to sewage analysis, waste treatment, or sanitation projects
- Strong background in microbiology and biochemical analysis techniques
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods
- Excellent presentation skills and ability to create compelling data visualizations
- Understanding of environmental regulations and ISO30500 protocols for waste analysis
- Comfortable managing daily waste streams, including liquids and solids.
This project is particularly suitable for students who:
- Are passionate about using analytical science to improve global health and environmental outcomes
- Enjoy hands-on laboratory work and developing new analytical methods
- Want to gain experience in waste treatment technology and environmental analysis
- Are interested in the intersection of chemistry, microbiology, and engineering
- Seek to develop skills that bridge scientific analysis with practical technology development
- Have strong attention to detail and commitment to rigorous scientific methodology
Funding
Sponsored by Gates Foundation and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £1,350 per month (tax free) plus fees*. The funding will cover 12 months for MSc by Research students or 3 years for PhD students.
*This opportunity is open to Home and Overseas fee status students. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
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 Serap Ozmen
Email: S.Ozmen@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form.
MSc by Research application form Ref: SWEE0310
PhD application form Ref: SWEE0311
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.
