Join a cutting-edge research initiative developing breakthrough sanitation technologies for global impact. This fully funded PhD or MSc by Research opportunity, sponsored by the Gates Foundation, provides full tuition fees, annual stipend, and research expenses. The research investigates how teams coordinate and collaborate to transition innovative technologies from laboratory concepts to real-world solutions. You will study the collaboration and coordination processes that enable successful technology development across international partnerships. This research combines hands-on engagement with advanced household and community-level sanitation systems and academic investigation into the coordination mechanisms and collaborative approaches that drive effective technology advancement.
A critical challenge in technology development is bridging the gap between prototype development and real-world impact – often referred to as crossing the “valley of death” where promising lab-based innovations fail to reach practical implementations. With increasing emphasis on translating academic research into real-world solutions for global challenges, understanding how teams can effectively navigate this transition through international collaboration has become critically important.
The research project will investigate how teams establish effective collaboration and coordination processes, manage technical development across specialisms, and coordinate stakeholder relationships while optimising internal team dynamics and external partnerships. Critical to this work is understanding how to effectively coordinate technical understanding, synchronise technology development progress, and establish communication processes across diverse partners while maintaining project momentum. The candidate will examine collaboration frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and communication processes that enable effective technology transition and successful coordination between partners in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
The study will offer new perspectives on team coordination approaches, communication strategies for international partnerships, and collaboration mechanisms that enable successful technology transition. These research contributions will advance academic understanding of coordination processes in international technology development while providing practical insights for similar initiatives, enhancing knowledge of how transformative technology projects can be successfully coordinated across diverse international collaborations. The broader project aims to deliver breakthrough sanitation technologies that could transform access to safe sanitation globally.
This position offers exceptional opportunities for international engagement through coordination with global partners, with potential travel for field trials and technology validation activities. You will contribute to a high-impact global mission addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, gaining exposure to real-world technology application at the interface between laboratory innovation and field implementation. The project provides opportunities to participate in cutting-edge technology development processes and gaining direct experience with global project coordination. Working on technology with potential to impact billions of lives offers unique exposure to large-scale development challenges and solutions.
Graduates will develop a unique combination of technical understanding, strategic thinking, and project coordination skills highly valued across academia, industry, and international development sectors. You will gain experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder management, strategic planning, and technology development while building strong communication and analytical capabilities. This experience prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology development, international development organisations, research management, and academic careers focused on innovation and collaboration.
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: SWEE0308 – MSc by Research. SWEE0309 – Phd
Supervisor
1st Supervisor: Dr Harvey Fox
2nd Supervisor: Dr Matt Collins
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:
- Engineering disciplines (mechanical, chemical, environmental, systems)
- Innovation studies, technology management, or engineering management.
- International development studies.
- Science and technology policy.
- International development or development economics.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication in English [IMPORTANT!].
- Ability to grasp complex technical concepts and communicate them effectively.
- Comfort with hands-on technical work with sanitation-based technologies.
- Experience or interest in multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Academic writing and presentation capabilities.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Comfortable managing daily waste streams, including liquids and solids.
This project is particularly suitable for students who:
- Are motivated by high-impact global challenges.
- Enjoy working across technical and strategic domains.
- Thrive in collaborative, international environments.
- Seek to bridge academic research with practical application.
- Are comfortable with diverse, hands-on project activities and technical learnings.
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 Harvey Fox
Email: Harvey.J.Fox@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: SWEE0308
PhD application form Ref: SWEE0309
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.
