Â鶹´«Ã½AV is excited to invite applications for a PhD studentship focused on developing and validating innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors with community scientists for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in rivers. The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is supporting new research on human-environment interactions in freshwater ecosystems. The studentship covers fees and stipend for a home (UK) student. 

There is an urgent need for novel freshwater quality monitoring solutions to help mitigate the risks that contaminants pose to water security, human wellbeing, and biodiversity. This funded PhD studentship will work with conservation charities and citizen scientists to develop and validate innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in river water. 
 
The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a dynamic team, utilizing cutting-edge technology to create user-friendly sensors for deployment by citizen scientists. The project will involve co-designing the sensors with public stakeholders to ensure usability and accuracy, as well as conducting field tests to validate their effectiveness. Additionally, the research will explore the economic viability of these sensors to enhance real-time data collection and improve monitoring practices, and the social factors that influence their uptake.
 
This studentship offers a unique opportunity to engage in ground-breaking research with practical applications, promoting community involvement in detecting chemical and biological contaminants and monitoring biodiversity. The successful candidate will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, along with support from leading experts in Advanced Sensor technology and Environmental Assessment Facilities at Â鶹´«Ã½AV.
 
This fully funded studentship is part of the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is funding up to 18 PhD studentships to conduct multidisciplinary research on freshwater ecosystems, across two universities, Cranfield and Roehampton. The programme aims to develop a deeper, holistic understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment to support sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges affecting our river, lake, wetland, and groundwater ecosystems.
 
To find more information on the programme, please see the official .

At a glance

  • Application deadline26 Mar 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date29 Sep 2025
  • Duration of award4 years
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberSWEE0279

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Professor Zhugen Yang 

2nd Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.

Ideal candidates should have a strong background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with experience in molecular techniques and fieldwork. Excellent communication skills and a passion for biodiversity conservation are essential.

Funding

This is a fully funded studentship sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Â鶹´«Ã½AV, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£19,237; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student. 

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.

Leverhulme Trust Programme funding
The Connected Waters Doctoral Programme will fund up to 4 home (UK) PhD scholarships starting October 2025 at Â鶹´«Ã½AV. One of these scholarships can be a Master's plus PhD, which will fund a one-year full-time MSc and then a 4 year-PhD for a candidate that meets the additional eligibility requirements below.
 
Eligibility requirements for Doctoral Scholarships
Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.
 
Eligibility requirements for Master's Plus Scholarships
To be eligible for the Master’s plus PhD Scholarships, candidates must fulfil the following criteria as specified by the Leverhulme Trust:
 
  • Be a UK domiciled student
  • Not already have a Master’s degree from the host institution
  • Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies
 
and/or identify as one of the following categories of ethnicity:

 

  • Black African
  • Black Caribbean
  • Black Other
  • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
  • Mixed – White and Black African
  • Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)
 

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: Professor Zhugen Yang  E: Zhugen.Yang@cranfield.ac.uk T: +44 (0) 1234 75831

To apply, please complete the following steps:
 
  • Download and complete the 
  • Upload your Connect cover form within the Personal Statement section of the .

Please ensure that your fully completed online application form is submitted by the application closing date. All requested documentation should be uploaded to the online form before submission. Your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. 

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.