Monitoring river pollution and river health using new technologies

An exciting opportunity to apply for eight fully funded PhD positions in the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol.

Ref: 2425-APRIL-CHSS01

The closing date for applications is 5 January 2025.

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.

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. Rivers need your help, come and join us on this thrilling journey!

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.

Person specification 

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 have equivalent experience). 

Knowledge and experience

Knowledge of aquatic ecology, water quality sampling and analysis and/or microbiological testing is desirable. Some experience of microbiological techniques, including bacterial culturing, would be an advantage. 

Skills and competencies

You should have a good practical background including relevant laboratory and field skills. 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. 

For further information or to have discussion please contact Professor Darren Reynolds at darren.reynolds@uwe.ac.uk and Dr Robin Thorn at robin2.thorn@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 April 2025. 

The studentship will be fully funded by UWE Bristol and will cover all PhD fees, research equipment and consumables and a tax-free stipend which is currently £19,237 per annum for 2024/2025.

Please note that this studentship funds home (UK) student fees only. 

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, construction project management, construction management or related construction degree.

Ideally the candidate will have some of the following:

• master’s degree or equivalent research experience
• experience in /familiarity with the UK’s construction industry
• a background in workplace design/management
• knowledge of qualitative research methods, research integrity and ethics
• ability to learn new fields of application of data science.

Relevant experience:

• AI/Machine Learning tools and techniques
• experience in AI and cost estimating. 

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2425-April-CHSS01.

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 5 January 2025.

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

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 20 January 2025. 

If you have not heard from us by 13 January 2025, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.