Application Deadline: 08 January 2026
Details
Project Enquiries: brownh19@cardiff.ac.uk
Webpage: https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/brownh19 (link to primary supervisors research profile)
Project aims and methods:
This multidisciplinary project investigates zoonotic bacterial pathogen persistence in recreational river systems, using the River Ogmore as a model. It will develop a River Risk Network, combining microbial ecology, environmental surveillance, and behavioural (human and microbial) data to understand how environmental conditions influence pathogen survival and potential human exposure.
Core scientific questions include:
– What environmental and microbial factors support zoonotic pathogen persistence in riverine ecosystems?
– How do microbial communities and ecological networks influence transmission dynamics?
– How might changing river temperatures affect bacterial survival and seasonal patterns of persistence?
– What role does human recreational behaviour play in shaping exposure risk to waterborne zoonoses?
The doctoral researcher will co-develop objectives with local recreational water users (e.g. surfers, anglers), ensuring the research remains grounded in real-world concerns and civic priorities.
Training will span microbial lab techniques, ecological network modelling, stakeholder engagement, and science communication. The student will be supported to apply for additional funding to enhance their professional development, including opportunities for public engagement activities and research visits to partner institutions or field sites.
The supervisory team brings complementary expertise in microbial persistence, zoonotic ecology, stakeholder engagement, and environmental sampling, ensuring support across all dimensions of the project.
Project Science Theme: Evolution and Biodiversity
Project keywords: zoonoses, river users, ecological networks
Lead Institution: Cardiff
Lead Supervisor: Dr Helen Brown, Cardiff, School of Biosciences
Co-Supervisor: Dr Cedric Berger, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Co-Supervisor: Dr Sarah Perkins, Cardiff University, School of Biosciences
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Paul Wigley, Bristol University, Bristol Veterinary School
Useful recruitment links:
For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via:
How to apply to Cardiff University:
Please ensure that at the time of making the application, you upload the ‘GW4 + DLTP Personal Statement’ in place of the Cardiff University Personal Statement/cover letter. Please email BIOSI-PG@cardiff.ac.uk prior to starting your online application for a copy of the statement which you would then complete and upload. Also, at the point of making an application please complete the ‘DLTP PhD applicants questionnaire’ at the following link https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/nercdtp/gw4-dltp-survey-applicants-for-phds-2026-final
Applications can be made using the following link: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/biosciences-phd-mphil-md Use the black boxes on the right hand side and select ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, and the start date of ’01/10/2026′. If you have studied with us before, or made a previous application, please use the same login details and application number.
Please ensure that you type in the project title, the lead supervisor and the source of funding as GW4+ Doctoral Landscape Training Partnerships (DLTP).
The application deadline is Thursday 8 January 2026 at 2359 GMT
English language requirement:
The university minimum requirement for English language IELTS (Academic) with 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.5 in all subskills. We accept a variety of English language tests and academic qualifications for entry and have published a list of acceptable equivalents to GCSE and IELTS.
Funding Notes
Funding:
Students will receive a stipend for 3.5 years, payment of their university tuition fees, a Research and Training and Support Grant (RTSG) of £9,000 and a conference budget of £2,000. A training budget of £1,000 is for each student to undertake specialist training relating to their specialist area of research and career development and to pay for travel and accommodation. The stipend for 2026/27 will be the amount for 2025/26 (£20,780 p.a.) plus an annual inflation adjustment.
The GW4 partners agreed to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees. Therefore, international candidates will not be expected to cover this cost and will be fully funded but will be required to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
