PhD: One Health Evaluation of Impacts from Hazardous Chemicals on Rivers’ Health University of Bath in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity at the University of Bath’s Department of Chemistry offers a unique chance to contribute to the protection of river ecosystems and public health by evaluating the impacts of hazardous chemicals on rivers. The project is part of the Cam and Wellow programme and is based in the Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection, supported by Wessex Water and regional partners.

Hazardous chemicals such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, pesticides, flame retardants, and metals are increasingly found in river environments due to wastewater, agricultural, and road runoff. These pollutants threaten biodiversity and ecological integrity, making urgent action necessary. The research aims to provide robust data and evidence to inform policy and drive disruptive change in pollution control.

The successful candidate will apply advanced water fingerprinting and mass spectrometry techniques (including liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, QQQ, QTOF-HRMS, MRT) to analyze a wide range of chemical pollutants in the Cam and Wellow Rivers. The project will establish new frameworks for targeted spatiotemporal profiling, analyze water, sediment, and soil samples, and triangulate data to assess river health and the effectiveness of pollution control interventions.

Working alongside a postdoctoral researcher and data engineer, the student will help develop the Cam and Wellow One Health digital platform, an integrated decision-support system for collaborative analysis and geo-spatial insights across human and environmental health. This platform aims to unify understanding of complex health challenges and enable data-driven strategies for prevention and coordinated response.

Training will be provided in modern analytical techniques, data handling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The student will join a vibrant research team with expertise in environmental and analytical chemistry, and benefit from excellent research infrastructure. Opportunities for academic, government, and industrial research experience, as well as involvement in public health policy development, are available.

Funding is available through a University of Bath studentship, covering tuition fees, a generous stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6), and a training support budget for four years. The studentship is open to both Home and exceptional International students, though international applicants must cover their own relocation, visa, and healthcare surcharge costs.

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as chemistry or environmental science. A master’s qualification is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet English language requirements. The university values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.

To apply, submit a formal application via the University of Bath’s online system for a PhD in Chemistry, selecting 'University of Bath URSA' as the studentship and quoting the project title and lead supervisor’s name. Early application is recommended as the position may close before the advertised deadline.