O Williams

This fully funded PhD project, part of the NERC RED-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training at Cardiff University, aims to develop novel, real-time, rapid, and highly sensitive methods for detecting viruses in water and wastewater. The research addresses a critical need for improved virus detection technologies, especially in the context of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), which has gained prominence since the COVID-19 pandemic. Current molecular detection methods, such as qPCR and sequencing, are well established but often lack the ability to determine virus infectivity and are not always rapid or sensitive enough for real-time monitoring. The project will focus on the use of nanodiamond-coated quartz microfiber membranes to concentrate virions from water samples, combined with nanobody biosensors (carbon nanotubules with capsid-specific antibodies) for the detection of infectious virus particles. Norovirus, a major contributor to foodborne illness and healthcare costs worldwide, will be the primary target, leveraging nanobodies already developed by the research group. The approach will be benchmarked against conventional molecular detection techniques, with the goal of enhancing both speed and sensitivity. Students will receive comprehensive training in molecular and environmental microbiology, virology, biochemistry, and relevant aspects of ecology and One Health. The project is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaboration between the Schools of Biosciences, Physics, and the Water Research Institute at Cardiff University, as well as the School of Environmental & Natural Sciences at Bangor University. Industrial partnership and expert support are provided by Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water. Facilities include access to state-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing, and the School’s Technology Hubs. The successful candidate will join a vibrant postgraduate research community within the Organisms & Environment Division and the Microbiomes, Microbes & Bioinformatics Research Group. Funding: The NERC Red-ALERT studentship covers tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/6), and a training support budget for 3.5 years. Eligibility: 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 is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirements. The Centre values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Application deadline: 19 January 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form. For further details, see the official project page.