PhD Studentship: Tracking Sediment and Water Pollution in the Headwaters of the Ganges Using Novel Environmental Sensors (NERC GW4+ DTP) University of Exeter in United Kingdom

[Home tuition fees covered plus annual tax-free stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2026/27) for 3.5 years, £9,000 project costs budget, £2,000 conference budget, £1,000 training budget.]

This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Exeter offers an exciting opportunity to investigate sediment and water pollution in the headwaters of the Ganges using cutting-edge environmental sensors. The project is part of the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP), a collaboration between leading UK universities and research organisations, designed to provide comprehensive training in earth and environmental sciences.

The research will focus on the Alaknanda River, a major tributary of the Ganges in India, where innovative motion and water quality sensors have been deployed since 2025. The successful candidate will analyse sensor data to understand the drivers and dynamics of sediment transport and pollution, with the aim of generating actionable evidence for managing mountain river systems under the pressures of development and climate change. The project will also explore the use of prototype water quality sensors (Hydrobeans) to study the interaction between sediment mobilisation and water quality.

Based in the Geography department at Exeter, the student will join the Sustainable Hydrological Systems group and the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW). Training will be provided in environmental sensor technology, hydrology, and earth and water systems. The student will benefit from collaboration with supervisors at the Universities of Bristol and Plymouth, and will be part of the international NERC-funded Superslug project team, with opportunities to participate in fieldwork in Spring 2027.

Funding for this studentship includes home tuition fees, an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 (for 2026/27) for 3.5 years, a project costs budget of £9,000, a conference budget of £2,000, and a training budget of £1,000. Additional funding is available for attending conferences and workshops, supporting both research and professional development.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in environmental science, earth science, geography, or a related field. Experience with environmental sensors, hydrology, or fieldwork is desirable. International applicants must meet the University of Exeter’s English language requirements. For further information about the research project, contact the lead supervisor, Dr. G.L. Bennett, at [email protected].

The application deadline is 8 January 2027. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Exeter’s application portal, ensuring all required documents are submitted before the deadline. For more details about the GW4+ DTP programme, visit nercgw4plus.ac.uk.