This exciting fully funded PhD, with an enhanced stipend of £26,546 per annum, will address the urgent challenge of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in drinking water. Working with leading UK water industry partners, the student will investigate PFAS removal by adsorption processes using laboratory experiments and will use the findings to develop simple tools to predict treatment performance and improve drinking water protection. The project offers excellent training programme opportunities alongside close collaboration with industry and outstanding career development opportunities.
Ensuring the continued safety of drinking water is an increasing global challenge, particularly with the increasing detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals”. These highly persistent compounds are found in water sources worldwide and are challenging to remove using conventional treatment processes.
Granular activated carbon (GAC), a highly porous material used in many drinking water treatment plants, is one of the most widely applied technologies for removing PFAS. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the type of PFAS present and the characteristics of the water being treated.
This PhD project will investigate PFAS removal by GAC using laboratory experiments, and the experimental findings will be used to develop practical predictive tools that can help water companies predict when treatment performance will decline and make better decisions on GAC replacement. The student will explore how the chemical properties of different PFAS and the composition of the water influence treatment performance and operation lifetime.
The project will provide training in environmental chemistry, laboratory experimentation, advanced chemical analysis and data interpretation. The student will work closely with leading researchers and water industry partners, contributing to the development of more effective and sustainable solutions for safeguarding drinking water.
We welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines, including environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and related subjects. Previous experience in water treatment or modelling is not required; curiosity, enthusiasm and a desire to solve real-world environmental problems are the most important qualities.
This project is an exciting collaboration between the Cranfield Water Science Institute, Anglian Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water and EPSRC. This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe). The WIRe programme includes a bespoke training programme in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world leading experimental facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to undertake an international placement. It is an inclusive and diverse doctoral centre and welcomes applications from all highly motivated individuals, regardless of background, identity or disability.
The successful candidate will graduate with a unique combination of expertise in environmental chemistry, water treatment, data analysis and transferable skills, preparing them for careers in the water industry, environmental consultancy, government agencies or academia.
At a glance
- Application deadline: 15 Jul 2026
- Award type(s): PhD
- Start date: 28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award: 4 years (full-time) and 6 years (part-time)
- Eligibility: UK
- Reference number: CRAN-0053
Supervisor
1st Supervisor: Dr Irene Carra
2nd Supervisor: Professor Peter Jarvis
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with degrees in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or other relevant engineering/science degree. The ideal candidate should have some understanding of water science. The candidate should be self-motivated, driven, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research. Modelling skills are desirable.
Funding
Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), this PhD studentship will provide a bursary of £26,546 (tax free) and covers registration fees for four years.
This studentship is open to Home students only.
UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
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 Irene Carra
Email: irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
