Frederic Coulon

PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in sustainable explosive waste management , with a strong focus on environmental science , chemistry , and engineering . The project investigates how small-scale and remote ammunition manufacturing facilities can manage explosive waste more sustainably, safely, and cost-effectively. Research themes include current disposal practices, waste valorisation , circular material use , and low-energy remediation technologies. The student will use a multi-criteria assessment framework combining environmental impact analysis, cost-benefit evaluation, and stakeholder engagement to identify practical solutions with real-world implementation potential. Field studies and collaboration with a leading ammunition manufacturing company are included, offering valuable industrial exposure. Supervisors: Professor Tracey Temple, Dr Federica Persico, and Professor Frederic Coulon. Eligibility: applicants should have a background in environmental science, chemistry, or engineering, with knowledge of sustainable technologies applicable to manufacturing. A strong understanding of sustainability principles is an advantage. Funding is restricted to Home fee status students. Funding: sponsored by a European manufacturing company; stipend of £21,805 per year plus fees for 3 years . Deadline: 2 September 2026. The vacancy may be filled before the closing date, so early application is strongly encouraged. How to apply: complete the online application form and upload all requested documents before submission. Contact Professor Tracey Temple at [email protected] for further information.

Fully funded PhD opportunity in PFAS and heavy metals transport in contaminated soil and groundwater systems at Cranfield University (UK) within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network RESCUE . The project focuses on environmental contamination, soil and groundwater remediation, geophysics, numerical modelling, and AI-driven analysis. The specific PhD topic is Fate and Interaction Pathways of PFAS and Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soil and Groundwater Systems . Research methods include laboratory experiments, geophysical monitoring such as SIP and ERT/IP , numerical modelling, and AI-based approaches to understand contaminant transport and interactions in the subsurface. The position is part of a network of 15 PhD researchers across Europe. Co-supervision is with Ghent University , and the wider network includes secondments at the University of Stuttgart , Stockholm University , and Geosyntec Consultants . The programme offers international mobility, interdisciplinary training, and exposure to academia and industry. Funding: fully funded MSCA position for 36 months, with salary paid according to MSCA regulations and possible additional funding depending on the host institution. Eligibility: applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent by recruitment, must not already hold a PhD, and must meet the MSCA mobility rule. A minimum English level of B2 is required. Relevant backgrounds include geophysics, geology, geosciences, environmental science, civil engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, data science, economics, and related disciplines. Deadline: 12 July 2026, 23:59 CET. How to apply: submit the application form and upload the required documents (language certificate, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, CV). Contact the supervisor for project-specific questions.

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.

Fully funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in CRISPR-Cas-enabled smart sensors for real-time detection of contaminants in river water . This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of Biology , Environmental Science , Chemical Engineering , and Biomedical Engineering , with a strong focus on biosensors , engineering biology , microfluidics , water quality monitoring , and AI-enabled sensing . The project will develop a low-cost, field-deployable, paper-based CRISPR/Cas biosensor for multiplex detection of river water contaminants, including pesticides , PFAS , heavy metals , and potentially AMR-related targets. The research combines molecular biology, synthetic biology, digital sensing, and environmental engineering to create practical tools for real-world water monitoring. Validation will be carried out in collaboration with Anglian Water Services Ltd . This studentship is supported by the NERC Doctoral Focal Award in Engineering Biology for Environmental Applications (EngBio4Env) and includes an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,805 per annum , full fees covered, and additional training support for 4 years . Applicants must be Home fee status students. Eligibility highlights: a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water Engineering. Experience in wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology is advantageous. Application deadline: 5 August 2026 . Start date: 28 September 2026 . Interested candidates should apply via the project page and review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting.