Cranfield University
1 week ago
Funded PhD in Hidden Acid Sulfate Soils, Predictive Mapping, and Soil Management Cranfield University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Funded PhD studentship through the NERC-funded CENTA Doctoral Training Partnership and Cranfield University. Covers UK/Home tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (up to £21,805) for 3.5 years. Open to Home and international applicants, but international students must cover the difference between Home and international tuition fees from another source.
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cranfield University

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About this position
Funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, focused on hidden acid sulfate soils, soil science, predictive mapping, GIS, machine learning, and environmental restoration.
The project will investigate how reliably existing soil information can predict acid sulfate soil occurrence across the UK, and whether land management history improves predictions of acidification hazards. Acid sulfate soils can generate sulfuric acid and release metals when disturbed by drainage, excavation, drought, or rewetting, creating risks for aquatic ecosystems, agricultural productivity, and wetland restoration.
The researcher will combine soil classification, LandIS legacy data, archived samples, fresh field observations, geological and hydrological datasets, and statistical/machine learning models. Case studies will include agricultural peatlands and coastal wetland restoration sites. The project also includes co-supervision from UKCEH and a formal CASE partner in GTK, Finland, plus a planned three-month placement to build specialist expertise.
Funding: NERC/CENTA-funded studentship with UKRI-rate stipend and UK/Home tuition coverage for 3.5 years. International applicants may apply, but must fund the difference between Home and international tuition fees.
Eligibility: Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related field such as soil science, environmental science, geography, geology, earth science, ecology, or hydrology. Experience with programming, spatial modelling, soil classification, or acid sulfate soils is welcome but not required.
How to apply: Submit the Cranfield online application and upload the mandatory CENTA Studentship Application Form 2027 together with your CV and all required documents. Applications without the CENTA form will not be considered. Contact Dr Dan Evans at [email protected] for further information.
Start date: 27 Sep 2027.
Funding details
Funded PhD studentship through the NERC-funded CENTA Doctoral Training Partnership and Cranfield University. Covers UK/Home tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (up to £21,805) for 3.5 years. Open to Home and international applicants, but international students must cover the difference between Home and international tuition fees from another source.
What's required
Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. Suitable backgrounds include soil science, environmental science, geography, geology, earth science, ecology, hydrology, or related subjects. Interest in field and laboratory investigation, environmental data, GIS, and predictive modelling is welcome. Previous experience in soil classification, acid sulfate soils, programming, or spatial modelling is desirable but not essential. Applicants should be willing to undertake fieldwork and an international placement.
How to apply
Complete the online application form for Cranfield University and upload the mandatory CENTA Studentship Application Form 2027, along with your CV and all required documents. Contact Dr Dan Evans by email for further information before applying.
More information can be found here
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