Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Soil Science and Circular Construction at Lancaster University

Are you passionate about sustainability, soil science, and circular economy solutions in the construction sector? Lancaster University is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity at the Lancaster Environment Centre, supported by the EPSRC, focused on 'Building Circular Futures for Soil in Construction.' This project aligns with the World Soil Day theme: Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities. Each year, millions of tonnes of soil are excavated from UK construction sites, with much ending up in landfill. This PhD will investigate strategies to reduce soil disturbance, increase re-use, and prevent losses to landfill through data analysis, fieldwork, and laboratory studies. You will work with a multidisciplinary supervisory team: Professor Jessica Davies (Sustainability), Professor David Johnson (Ecology), Professor John Quinton (Environmental Science), and industry partner Will Rundle (Nexus ReGen). The project aims to design practical strategies for a more circular and sustainable construction industry, turning soil from a waste product into a valued resource and shaping better policy and practice. The studentship covers UK tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Only UK/Home students are eligible for funding. Applicants should have a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant field (environmental science, engineering, etc.), with experience in quantitative analysis, fieldwork, and lab work considered advantageous. Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity, and strong communication skills are preferred. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged. If English is not your first language, proficiency evidence will be required if offered a place. To apply, download and complete the LEC Funded PhD Application Form and Reference Form. Submit your application form and CV to [email protected]. Send the reference form to two referees and have them forward it to the same email. Ensure all documents are submitted by the deadline: 6th February 2026. For further details, contact Professor Jess Davies at [email protected] or Professor David Johnson at [email protected]. Research keywords: soil science, circular economy, sustainability, construction, environmental engineering, landfill reduction, policy, data analysis, fieldwork, lab studies.