Peter Jarvis

This fully funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University focuses on the prediction and management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," in real-world drinking water treatment systems. Sponsored by Anglian Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, and EPSRC, the project aims to develop a smart data predictive model to support utilities in evidence-based decision-making for cost-effective and resilient PFAS removal. The research combines experimental work and modelling to characterize and predict PFAS behavior in granular activated carbon (GAC) filters, a key process in water treatment. The successful candidate will generate experimental data, build and validate a mechanistic model, and work closely with industry sponsors. The project addresses regulatory requirements for PFAS removal in the UK and aims to optimize GAC operation, reduce monitoring burdens, and minimize costs associated with PFAS analysis. The PhD is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), offering a bespoke training program, opportunities for international placements, and access to world-leading facilities. The studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £25,726 per year and covers tuition fees for four years. Both UK and international students are eligible, though overseas studentships are limited. Applicants should hold a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Preferred candidates will have an understanding of water science, strong motivation, communication skills, and an interest in applied research; modelling skills are desirable. Cranfield University is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Supervision is provided by Dr Irene Carra (Senior Lecturer in Chemical Processes) and Professor Peter Jarvis (Professor of Water Science & Technology). For more information or to apply, contact Dr Irene Carra at [email protected] or visit the project page. Applications are reviewed as received, so early submission is recommended. The deadline is 25 March 2026, with the program starting on 28 September 2026.

This fully funded PhD at Cranfield University, sponsored by UKWIR and EPSRC, focuses on the application of innovative technologies in drinking water treatment. The project aims to build an experimental evidence base to guide the selection of water treatment solutions that minimize cost and whole-life carbon, addressing emerging water quality challenges such as PFAS, microplastics, and viruses. As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct laboratory and pilot-scale experiments using both conventional and emerging water treatment processes. The research will explore how these technologies perform against multiple water treatment challenges, including substances they were not originally designed to remove. Key questions include the impact of the water matrix on removal pathways, adaptation of technologies for maximum contaminant removal, and identifying optimal solutions for combinations of emerging substances in terms of economics and environmental impact. The project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe), offering bespoke technical and personal skills training, access to world-leading experimental facilities, and opportunities for international placements. The industrial partner, UKWIR, provides direct industry insight and ensures the research meets current and future needs of the UK water sector. Applicants should hold a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Engineering, Civil or Chemical Engineering, or related fields. Strong communication skills, self-motivation, and a keen interest in applied scientific research are essential. The studentship includes a tax-free stipend of £26,546 per annum and covers registration fees for four years. Additional training and placement costs are covered, subject to supervisor approval. The opportunity is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, though places for Overseas students are limited. To apply, complete the online application form as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For further information, contact Prof Peter Jarvis at [email protected]. This PhD offers a pathway to a successful career in the water sector or academia, with development in research, communication, project management, and leadership skills, and access to an international network of colleagues.

This fully funded PhD position at Cranfield University addresses the urgent challenge of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," in drinking water treatment systems. Sponsored by Anglian Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, and EPSRC, the project aims to develop a predictive model using experimental data to support utilities in evidence-based decision-making for resilient and cost-effective PFAS removal. PFAS are micropollutants of increasing concern in the UK and globally, with recent regulatory guidelines requiring effective removal from drinking water. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is a key process in PFAS strategy plans, but its regeneration frequency can be drastically reduced by PFAS guidelines, impacting cost and sustainability. Water utilities currently rely on intensive sampling and expensive analysis to characterize PFAS behavior in GAC beds. The research will deliver a model integrating water quality to predict PFAS behavior in GAC filters, providing water companies with a practical tool to forecast GAC bed life under varying water qualities, reduce monitoring burden, and enable proactive compliance with future PFAS standards. The mechanistic-driven multicomponent model will be built and validated using experimental data from live treatment plants. Key impacts include cost savings from optimal GAC operation, accurate regeneration strategies, reduced need for experimental testing, and minimized PFAS analysis costs. The project will contribute to strategic planning for forever chemicals, future-proofing assets for current and future regulations, and promoting sustainability by reducing carbon footprint and OPEX. This collaboration involves the Cranfield Water Science Institute and several major water utilities, as part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe). The WIRe programme offers bespoke training in technical and personal skills, opportunities for overseas travel, and access to world-leading experimental facilities. An international placement is also available. The doctoral centre is inclusive and welcomes applications from all highly motivated individuals, regardless of background, identity, or disability. Graduates will be well positioned for successful careers in the water sector or academia, supported by development in communication, project management, leadership, and an international network. Entry requirements include a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science, or related fields. Understanding of water science and modelling skills are desirable. The position is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, with limited studentships for Overseas status. The funding package includes a tax-free bursary of £25,726 per annum and registration fees for four years. Applications are reviewed as received, so early submission is encouraged. For further information, contact Dr Irene Carra at [email protected]. Apply online via the provided link.