Future Water Institute, University of Cape Town: Doctoral Research Scholarship
Nature-Based Biofiltration for Efficient Removal of Microbial and Chemical Contaminants to Establish Safe and Sustainable Decentralised Water Reuse
Location: The Water Hub, Franschhoek, South Africa
Starting Date: 2026
Duration: 3 years, full-time
The Water Hub research facility is managed by the University of Cape Town’s Future Water Institute and is located in Franschhoek. A PhD scholarship is being offered for research that focuses on advancing the use of nature-based treatment to remove organic matter, pathogens, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and excessive nutrient loads from decentralised wastewater streams. This project forms part of an ongoing programme with international collaborators demonstrating how low-energy, low-cost natural treatment systems can support safe water reuse and improved water security in resource-constrained contexts. Working within a multidisciplinary international team of engineers, hydrologists, microbiologists, and public health scientists, the successful candidate will help generate evidence-based approaches for risk-free water reuse using passive treatment technologies at the Water Hub living lab.
Research Aims
The doctoral project will investigate:
• The performance of biofiltration cells and hybrid nature-based systems in removing pathogens, organic matter, CECs, and nutrients.
• How design variables (media composition, hydraulic loading, redox conditions) influence contaminant transformation and retention.
• Considering the standalone renewable energy grid at the Water Hub, perform an energy balance of the entire treatment train and optimize operation to minimize consumption.
• Management and provision of reclaimed water (storage, conveyance, maintaining water quality, energy requirements) on site for beneficial reuse.
• Human-health risk assessment frameworks for decentralised reuse applications, including agricultural and household-level end uses.
• Based on contaminant load reduction assess ecosystem benefits for the receiving stream as a function of treatment and level of reuse.
• Monitoring tools (chemical, microbial, and digital sensors) that improve detection of episodic pollution events and treatment reliability.
Scholarship Details
• Funding: Covers full tuition fees plus an annual stipend and travel support to visit international collaborators
• Research costs: Fieldwork and laboratory expenses, local travel, conference travel, and research materials.
• University of Cape Town registered PhD candidate conducting research primarily at the Water Hub.
Candidate Requirements
Minimum Requirements
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, Water Quality Science, or related fields.
• Strong academic record and demonstrated research ability.
• A South African citizen.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
Skills and Experience
• Experience with water quality analysis, wet-lab methods, or environmental monitoring.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field and laboratory settings.
• Strong writing and data-analysis skills.
Advantageous
• Knowledge of contaminants of emerging concern, microplastic analysis, risk assessment, or nature-based solutions.
• Experience with analytical chemistry (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS), GIS, or microbial assays.
• Familiarity with South African water management challenges.
Application Requirements
Please submit the following in a single PDF document:
1. Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
2. Cover letter detailing motivation and relevant experience
3. Academic transcripts
4. Contact details for two referees
5. A short writing sample or prior research output/academic publication.
How to Apply
Submit applications via the google form. If you experience any issues kindly send your application to Danielle Cloete (danielle.cloete@uct.ac.za) by 31 January 2026 with the subject line: “PhD Application – Biofiltration for sustainable water reuse”
Equity and Inclusion
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering and environmental sciences.
