PhD in Synthetic Biology-Enabled Sensing and Typing of Stressed Coliforms in Drinking Water Cranfield University in United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in synthetic biology, environmental science, microbiology, biosensing, rapid diagnostics, and water engineering.

The COLIMIND project focuses on reimagining drinking water safety by developing next-generation sensing technologies to identify and type stressed coliform bacteria that can evade conventional monitoring. The research sits at the interface of engineering biology, microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, AI-driven analysis, and environmental and water sciences.

This is a fully funded PhD supported by the NERC Doctoral Focal Award in Engineering Biology for Environmental Applications (EngBio4Env) and the Water Research Centre (WRc). Funding includes an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,805 per year, full fees covered for four years, and additional support for training. Extra placement or overseas/industry costs may also be covered subject to approval.

The project will be based at Cranfield University and includes cohort-based interdisciplinary training, industrial engagement, and access to expertise in wastewater treatment, molecular microbiology, environmental modelling, and micropollutant analysis. The student will work with controlled stress-and-recovery experiments, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, genome and plasmid sequencing, and interpretable machine learning to distinguish treatment failure, ingress, regrowth, and stress recovery in drinking-water systems.

Eligibility: applicants should hold a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Suitable backgrounds include Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Water Engineering, or related fields. Experience in wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology is advantageous. The funding is for Home fee status students only.

Deadline: 2026-08-05. The project may be filled before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

How to apply: complete the online application form, upload all required documents, and contact Dr Francis Hassard for further information if needed.