This fully funded PhD opportunity at Lancaster University focuses on building circular futures for soil in construction, addressing a critical sustainability challenge in the UK. Each year, millions of tonnes of soil are excavated from construction sites, with a significant portion sent to landfill, contributing to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The project, based at the Lancaster Environment Centre and supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to develop strategies for more sustainable soil management in construction, including reducing disturbance, enhancing reuse, and preventing unnecessary landfill losses.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research group led by Professor Jessica Davies, with co-supervision from John Quinton and David Johnson. The project involves close collaboration with industry partner Nexus ReGen and other leading construction firms, providing opportunities for practical, real-world impact and policy influence. Research activities will include data analysis, fieldwork, and laboratory studies, with the goal of transforming soil from a waste product into a valuable resource within a circular economy framework.

The studentship covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend for UK/Home students, with additional research funding and resources from industry partners. Applicants should have a background in environmental science, soil science, civil engineering, or related fields, and experience with data analysis, fieldwork, or laboratory studies is desirable. The application deadline is 6 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the provided link or contact Professor Jessica Davies for informal enquiries.