About the Project
This project addresses one of the most urgent environmental challenges: the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water systems. These highly persistent “forever chemicals” resist degradation and are widely detected in natural and industrial water sources, posing significant risks to environmental and human health. Existing remediation technologies, including activated carbon and membrane filtration, remain energy-intensive, costly, and often ineffective for short-chain PFAS, highlighting the need for more selective, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
This research will test the hypothesis that structurally engineered, bio-based materials can provide enhanced adsorption performance, selectivity, and regeneration capability compared to conventional systems. The project will explore how material architecture and surface chemistry can be tailored to optimise interactions with PFAS compounds, with a particular focus on improving removal of short-chain species.
The work will involve the design and fabrication of advanced porous materials, including fibre-based and nanostructured systems, followed by systematic characterisation using techniques such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, and surface area analysis. Adsorption performance will be evaluated through controlled laboratory studies, assessing capacity, kinetics, and selectivity across a range of PFAS compounds. Comparative benchmarking against existing materials will establish performance improvements, while regeneration and reuse studies will assess long-term viability.
The project is interdisciplinary, spanning materials science, environmental chemistry, and applied engineering. It is particularly suited to candidates with a background in materials / textile science and experience in laboratory-based research and materials characterisation. Desirable experience includes fibre-based or porous materials, nanomaterial processing (e.g. electrospinning), adsorption or filtration systems, and working across academic and applied contexts. By integrating sustainable material design with environmental challenges, this research aims to deliver scalable solutions for PFAS remediation with clear industrial and societal impact.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply
Please also put a clear subject line in the email
When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
- English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.
At the University of Manchester, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect in everything we do. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and encourage you to bring your whole self to work and study. We will ensure that your application is given full consideration without regard to your race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital or pregnancy status, or socioeconomic background. All PhD places will be awarded on the basis of merit.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact NaturalSciences-PGR-Admissions@manchester.ac.uk
NaturalSciences-PGR-Admissions@manchester.ac.uk is not involved in recruitment decisions.
Funding Notes
This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is September 2026.
