Fully Funded PhD in CRISPR-Cas Smart Sensors for Real-Time River Water Contaminant Detection Cranfield University in United Kingdom

Fully funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in CRISPR-Cas-enabled smart sensors for real-time detection of contaminants in river water. This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of Biology, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, with a strong focus on biosensors, engineering biology, microfluidics, water quality monitoring, and AI-enabled sensing.

The project will develop a low-cost, field-deployable, paper-based CRISPR/Cas biosensor for multiplex detection of river water contaminants, including pesticides, PFAS, heavy metals, and potentially AMR-related targets. The research combines molecular biology, synthetic biology, digital sensing, and environmental engineering to create practical tools for real-world water monitoring. Validation will be carried out in collaboration with Anglian Water Services Ltd.

This studentship is supported by the NERC Doctoral Focal Award in Engineering Biology for Environmental Applications (EngBio4Env) and includes an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,805 per annum, full fees covered, and additional training support for 4 years. Applicants must be Home fee status students.

Eligibility highlights: a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water Engineering. Experience in wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology is advantageous.

Application deadline: 5 August 2026. Start date: 28 September 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the project page and review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting.