Development of new low-cost water quality sensing technologies for monitoring river health

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the College of Health, Science and Society UWE Bristol. The studentship will be funded by UWE, Bristol.

Ref: 2526-JAN-CHSS02

The expected start date of this studentship must be between the 01 January 2026

The closing date for applications is 15 September 2025.

Rivers are important ecosystems and healthy rivers play a vital role in the movement of water, the cycling of nutrients and for biodiversity resilience. Despite this, many of the worlds rivers are not healthy and are subject to frequent contamination from agriculture and sewage releases.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD researcher to work in collaboration with an exciting new project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council to develop new sensing technological approaches for monitoring river health. Please see this short video called Giving Our Rivers a Voice for more background information.

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team (including microbiologists, engineers, environmental scientists, and data scientists) developing new water sensing technologies (optical/biological) for the monitoring and detection of sewage contamination in river catchments. You will have access to a range of scientific laboratory facilities that support the development of cutting-edge technology. Rivers need your help, come and join us on this thrilling journey!

You will work closely with collaborators from The Rivers Trust and Chelsea Technologies and conduct extensive field-testing of the technology at existing water catchments. You will be expected to disseminate the technology and results by preparing journal papers and by presenting at relevant national and international conferences.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Darren Reynolds at Darren.Reynolds@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 January 2026 with a start date no later than the 30 January 2026. The funding is for a period of three and a half years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £20,780 (2025/2026) per annum. 

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the PhD (UK Home fees only). Due to the nature of the funding this opportunity is only available to individuals eligible for UK home fees.

Person Specification

Applicants must have at least a 2:1 or equivalent degree in a relevant science subject, such as Biological, Environmental or Chemical Sciences (or relevant engineering discipline). Ideally you will have or be working towards a postgraduate, research-based qualification (or have equivalent experience).

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge of aquatic ecology, water quality sampling & analysis and/or microbiological testing is desirable. Some experience of microbiological techniques, including bacterial culturing, would be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

You should have a good practical background including relevant laboratory and field skills. You should be able to work and communicate efficiently with other researchers, including supervisors, students, technicians, and postdoctoral researchers who may have very different backgrounds to your own.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2526-JAN-CHSS02.

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research application, all your degree certificates and transcripts and a recognised English language qualification is required.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application.

The closing date for applications is 15 September 2025.

It is expected that interviews will take place during September. If you have not heard from us by 22 September 2025, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.