Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
Details
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT, hosted by Cardiff University for entry in September 2026.
Overview of the Research:
Detection of viruses in water and wastewater using DNA/RNA methods is well-established, and since the COVID-19 pandemic has been the focus of a much-increased global research effort related to (waste)water-based epidemiology (WBE).
These studies have focused particularly on molecular detection of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, RSV and norovirus, but often lack information on virus infectivity.
Current methods for detection of the virion (i.e. the infectious virus particle) detection methods are neither rapid nor sensitive. This project explores using nanodiamond-coated quartz microfiber membranes to concentrate virions from water samples and nanobody biosensors (carbon nanotubules with capsid-specific antibodies).
The overall project aims are:
(1) to enhance speed and sensitivity in detecting specific viruses, focusing on noroviruses for which nanobodies have already been developed, and
(2) to assess the potential of this approach for real-time, rapid, and highly sensitive virus detection in water and wastewater.
Extraction and
concentration of viruses using nanodiamond technology and the nanoscale
sensor have already been described by our group (for underlying concepts see
Bland et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.1c00439; Huang et al., 2025,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025- 63192-w; Ahmed et al., 2025,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01573-4).
In this project these approaches will be developed to capture/detect active norovirus (specific nanobodies already constructed) in freshwater brackish water and wastewater. This virus has a large societal cost across the world, estimated at $65 billion, including ~US$5 billion in direct healthcare costs. In the UK alone, norovirus is the largest contributor (£1.7 billion) to the ~£9 billion cost burden of foodborne illnesses. Thus, early detection of norovirus will prevent major outbreaks. The sensitivity and speed of detection using this new approach will be compared with conventional molecular detection, e.g. by qPCR/sequencing approaches, already well established by the supervisory team at Cardiff and Bangor Universities.
Training Provided:
The project will provide extensive training in molecular and environmental microbiology/virology, biochemistry and aspects of ecology relevant to WBE/One Health. The student will have access to extensive laboratory and associated (e.g. high-performance computing) facilities in the Cardiff University-School-of-Biosciences. S/he will join the School’s PGR community in the Organisms & Environment-Division and the Microbiomes, Microbes & Bioinformatics Research Group, with full access to the School’s Technology Hubs.
Interdisciplinarity:
The project is highly interdisciplinary, involving supervisors based in the Schools of Biosciences (environmental microbiology/biochemistry), Physics (applied nanodiamond technologies) and Water Research-Institute (multidisciplinary) at Cardiff, and the School of Environmental & Natural Sciences at Bangor. In addition, the project will benefit from expert support of R&D and operations scientists at Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water.
Project Keywords:
Industrial Partner: Paul Gaskin (paul.gaskin@dwrcymru.com), Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water (DCWW).
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject – e.g. biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, etc. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement prior to a formal offer being made.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive Centre, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC Red-ALERT studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6) and access to a training support budget.
