University of Sheffield
1 week ago
PhD in Contaminant Dynamics and Mitigation in Urban Rainwater Harvesting Systems University of Sheffield in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full scholarship for 45 months covering tuition fees and providing an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (£21,805 for the 2026/2027 academic year, TBC in 2027/2028).
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Sheffield

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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Sheffield within the NERC-funded ECOSOLUTIONS Doctoral Focal Award.
This project focuses on evaluating contaminant dynamics and mitigation solutions in urban rainwater harvesting systems. The research is interdisciplinary and combines environmental engineering, chemical contamination, microbial water quality, hydrology, pollution, and predictive modelling.
You will investigate how atmospheric deposition, roof materials, and urban debris affect rainwater quality, including metals and microbial indicators such as coliforms and pathogens. The project includes field sampling, testing low-cost treatment interventions such as first-flush diversion, activated carbon filtration, and passive solar-thermal disinfection, plus statistical modelling to identify contamination drivers and treatment performance.
The PhD is part of the ECOSOLUTIONS programme, a transdisciplinary initiative led by the Universities of Sheffield and York and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. Students gain training in data management, stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary research, along with a three-month secondment at the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and opportunities to attend international conferences.
Funding: full scholarship for 45 months, covering tuition and providing a UKRI-level stipend. Eligibility: applicants should hold at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, and should have laboratory skills, field experience, and data analysis/modelling ability.
Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Application: see the ECOSOLUTIONS website for full instructions and project details. Project-specific enquiries can be sent to Dr Isabel Douterelo Soler at [email protected].
Funding details
Full scholarship for 45 months covering tuition fees and providing an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (£21,805 for the 2026/2027 academic year, TBC in 2027/2028).
What's required
Applicants need at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Essential skills include laboratory skills, field experience, and data analysis and/or modelling. The project welcomes students from around the world, though funding rules may restrict some awards to Home fee-status applicants.
How to apply
Visit the ECOSOLUTIONS website for full application instructions and project details. For project-specific questions, contact Dr Isabel Douterelo Soler by email. Register your interest through the FindAPhD enquiry form if you want the university to respond directly.
More information can be found here
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