This fully funded PhD opportunity, hosted at the University of Exeter and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), is part of the NERC RED-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). The project aims to investigate how complex chemical mixtures influence the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in freshwater ecosystems—a critical global health and environmental challenge. AMR is a growing threat, with millions of deaths attributed to bacterial resistance, and is recognized as a complex One Health issue affecting humans, animals, and the environment. Freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable to AMR due to the influx of bacteria, resistance genes, and resistance-driving chemicals from anthropogenic pollution. While the effects of individual antibiotics at environmental concentrations have been studied, the impact of real-world chemical mixtures—including biocides, pharmaceuticals, and plant protection products—on AMR dynamics remains poorly understood. This project will address this knowledge gap by combining field-based investigations with laboratory experiments to determine whether chemical mixtures act synergistically, additively, or antagonistically in promoting resistance. The research will focus on characterizing chemical mixtures and AMR levels in a 'living lab' setting, with laboratory experiments designed to test hypotheses on how these mixtures affect riverine microbial communities. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in fieldwork, experimental design, interdisciplinary laboratory techniques (including microbiology culturing, qPCR, advanced sequencing, and mass spectrometry), data analysis (statistics and bioinformatics), and scientific communication. Training will be delivered through the Red-ALERT programme and partner institutions, ensuring a strong interdisciplinary foundation. The supervisory team includes leading experts in antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, chemical mixtures, and analytical chemistry, with collaborations across academia and industry (including South West Water). Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, chemistry, or biochemistry. A master’s degree and relevant non-academic experience are advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirements. The studentship covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 per annum in 2025/6), and a training support budget for 3.5 years. The application deadline is January 19, 2026. Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form. For further information, contact the supervisory team or visit the project link.

This PhD opportunity, hosted by the University of Exeter as part of the NERC RED-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), focuses on the monitoring challenges and ecological risks associated with bio-based polymers in wastewater and aquatic ecosystems. As plastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a planetary boundary threat, the use of biobased and biodegradable polymers is rising as a substitute for petrochemical-based plastics. However, recent evidence suggests that bio-based fibres, now prevalent in clothing and sanitary products, are often more abundant than petroleum-based microplastic fibres in environmental samples, show limited degradation in natural waters, and can have comparable ecological impacts. This project aims to address the significant knowledge gaps regarding the environmental fate, behaviour, and ecological effects of bio-based fibres, which are currently underrepresented in environmental monitoring and risk assessment frameworks. The research will develop forensic and high-throughput analytical methods to assess bio-based fibres in environmental samples, apply advanced risk frameworks, and conduct ecotoxicology tests to predict adverse effects. Key research questions include understanding the factors influencing microfibre shedding and degradation, the ecological toxicity of wastewater loaded with bio-based fibres, and the integration of these fibres into risk assessment protocols. As a PhD student, you will join the award-winning microplastics group at CREWW (Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste) and the Aquatic Resources Centre at the University of Exeter. The training program includes ecotoxicology (Exeter), chemical fingerprinting (Bath), and wastewater expertise (South West Water), as well as professional development through Exeter’s Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining biological ecotoxicology, particle characterisation, analytical water chemistry, and circular economy principles, with both laboratory and field-based research components. Communication and outreach activities are also integral to the project. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biosciences, biology, ecology, ecotoxicology, chemistry, or biochemistry. A master’s degree is advantageous, and significant relevant non-academic experience will be considered. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirements. The studentship is tenable for 3.5 years and covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6), and a training support budget. The deadline for applications is January 19, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the project link.