Development of new low-cost water quality sensing technologies for monitoring river health

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol. The studentship will be funded by UWE, Bristol. 

The studentship is available to UK (home) students. 

Ref: 2425-OCT-CHSS05.

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 October 2024.

The closing date for applications is 24 July 2024.

About this role

Rivers are important ecosystems and healthy rivers play a vital role in the movement of water, the cycling of nutrients and for biodiversity resilience. Despite this, many of the worlds rivers are not healthy and are subject to frequent contamination from agriculture and sewage releases.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD researcher to work in collaboration with an exciting new project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council to develop new sensing technological approaches for monitoring river health. Please see this short video called Giving Our Rivers A Voice for more background information.

About you

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team (including microbiologists, engineers, environmental scientists, and data scientists) developing new water sensing technologies (optical/biological) for the monitoring and detection of sewage contamination in river catchments. You will have access to a range of scientific laboratory facilities that support the development of cutting-edge technology.

You will work closely with collaborators from The Rivers Trust and Chelsea Technologies and conduct extensive field-testing of the technology at existing water catchments. You will be expected to disseminate the technology and results by preparing journal papers and by presenting at relevant national and international conferences.

You should have a good practical background including relevant laboratory and field skills. Some experience of aquatic ecology, water quality sampling & analysis and/or microbiological testing is desirable.

You should be able to work and communicate efficiently with other researchers, including supervisors, students, technicians, and postdoctoral researchers who may have very different backgrounds to your own.

Where is this role based?

This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed. UWE Bristol is a campus-based University and it is vital to our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based.

Why UWE Bristol?

We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners. 

UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community. We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive. 

We are committed to equality, diversity & inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Further information

If you wish to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact Professor Darren Reynolds on +44 (0)117 328 2563 or at darren.reynolds@uwe.ac.uk

The studentship is available from 1 October 2024 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £19,237 per annum for 2024/2025.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years for Home applicants.

Applicants must have at least a 2:1 or equivalent degree in a relevant science subject, such as Biological, Environmental or Chemical Sciences (or relevant engineering discipline).

Ideally you will have or be working towards a postgraduate, research-based qualification (or equivalent experience).

Some experience of microbiological techniques, including bacterial culturing, would be an advantage.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2425-OCT-CHSS05.

Supporting documentation: You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 24 July 2024.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 12 August 2024.  If you have not heard from us by 9 August 2024, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.