PhD Studentship: Biotechnology in the Home – Reducing Pollution Through Bio-Based Wastewater Management (CASE Project with Challs International) University of Essex in United Kingdom

[Full stipend to support living costs and fees at UK research organisations rate. ARIES partners will fund the top-up from UK to international fees. Funding does not cover visa or health surcharges, or additional costs associated with entry to and living in the UK.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Essex offers an exciting opportunity to address domestic pollution through innovative biotechnology and bio-based wastewater management. The project is a CASE partnership with Challs International, a leading manufacturer of drain maintenance products, and is part of the ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership, which aims to train future leaders in environmental science and sustainable business.

Recent increases in pollution incidents in UK rivers and streams have highlighted the urgent need for improved wastewater management. While much attention is given to water treatment companies, a significant portion of pollution originates from domestic sources. This research seeks to minimize the environmental impact of household pollutants, such as cleaning products, by introducing new technologies and encouraging sustainable consumer behavior.

As a PhD student, you will collaborate with Challs International to develop a novel approach to domestic drain maintenance. Instead of relying on aggressive chemical cleaners, the project focuses on harnessing beneficial microorganisms to create 'probiotic' drain communities that prevent blockages and reduce the need for harmful chemicals. You will engage with homeowners to explore practical ways to integrate low-impact maintenance practices into daily routines.

The research involves constructing a laboratory-scale testbed to simulate domestic drains under various conditions. You will design and build this system, test different treatments and products, and analyze microbial communities using advanced molecular techniques such as qPCR, confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography. The project includes culturing and identifying bacterial isolates and assembling them into effective probiotic communities. Joint supervision and collaboration between the University of Essex and Challs International will ensure that your findings have real-world impact and commercial relevance.

Applicants should hold a degree or equivalent industry experience in biological sciences, environmental sciences, or environment-focused engineering. The ideal candidate will be an independent worker with a passion for translating research into practical solutions, a problem-solving mindset, and a willingness to innovate beyond established approaches.

Funding covers a full stipend for living costs and UK research organisation fees, with ARIES partners providing a top-up for international fees. Please note that visa and health surcharge costs are not covered. The studentship is open to UK, EU, and international students.

The application deadline is 7 January 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Essex ARIES Doctoral Training Partnerships portal.