Summary
Harper Adams University is inviting applications for a fully funded 36-month PhD Studentship addressing critical water quality and resource recovery challenges. Funded by OFWAT through its Water Breakthrough Challenge 6 Catalyst Stream, this project explores using engineered biochar as a dual-purpose adsorbent to simultaneously remove persistent PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and recover excess phosphorus from treated wastewater effluent.
Funded PhD Studentship: “I’m a P-leaver – Biochar for Phosphorus and PFAS removal from water”
Designation
- Position: PhD Studentship / Postgraduate Research Student
- Contract Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term (36 Months / 3 Years)
- Vacancy Reference: LC-004226
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Position Title | Funded PhD Studentship: “I’m a P-leaver – Biochar for Phosphorus and PFAS removal from water” |
| Reference Code | LC-004226 |
| Institution | Harper Adams University |
| Location | Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, United Kingdom |
| Contract / Duration | Full-Time, Fixed Term (36 Months) |
| Funding Body | OFWAT (Water Breakthrough Challenge 6 Catalyst Stream) |
| Stipend | £21,805 per annum (2026/27 academic year; aligned with UKRI rates thereafter) |
| Tuition Coverage | Full Home tuition fee equivalent |
| Application Deadline | 23:59 BST on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (may close earlier if sufficient applications are received) |
Research Area
- Disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Wastewater Treatment, Materials Science / Biochar Engineering, Circular Nutrient Management, and Aquatic Chemistry.
- Core Focus:
- Optimizing biochar modification techniques for targeted sorption.
- Evaluating removal efficiency for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phosphorus.
- Developing sustainable regeneration and reuse strategies to create circular, low-cost water treatment solutions.
Location
Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB, United Kingdom.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Background: A relevant undergraduate/master’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or closely related disciplines.
- Fee Status & International Applicants:
- Funding covers tuition up to the UK Home fee rate.
- International applicants are welcome to apply but must self-fund the monetary difference between Home and International tuition fees.
- International candidates must provide verifiable proof of funds (scholarship awards, official sponsorship letters, or proof of personal funds) during application to cover this fee differential across the 3-year study period.
Scholarship Description
This PhD project tackles two interconnected challenges facing modern wastewater management: the persistent threat of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and increasingly stringent regulatory discharge limits for phosphorus.
What the Studentship Covers:
- Tax-Free Stipend: £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year (subsequent years 2027/28 and 2028/29 indexed to UKRI rates).
- Tuition Fees: Covered at the UK Home student rate.
- Project Support: Fully supported research environment with direct links to industry and regulatory innovation via the OFWAT Water Breakthrough Challenge.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Harper Adams University e-recruitment vacancy portal for Reference LC-004226.
- Register for a new account or log in to an existing profile.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required supporting documentation (CV, degree certificates/transcripts, references, and proof of international fee differential funding if applicable).
- Submit before the closing date. (Early submission is strongly encouraged as the vacancy may close ahead of the deadline once a sufficient volume of applications is reached).
Last Date for Apply
- Closing Date: 23:59 hours BST on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 (subject to early closure upon receiving sufficient applications).
