Cranfield University is excited to invite applications for a PhD studentship focused on developing and validating innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors with community scientists for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in rivers. The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is supporting new research on human-environment interactions in freshwater ecosystems. The studentship covers fees and stipend for a home (UK) student.
There is an urgent need for novel freshwater quality monitoring solutions to help mitigate the risks that contaminants pose to water security, human wellbeing, and biodiversity. This funded PhD studentship will work with conservation charities and citizen scientists to develop and validate innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in river water.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a dynamic team, utilising cutting-edge technology to create low-cost and user-friendly sensors for deployment by citizen scientists. The project will involve co-designing the sensors with public stakeholders to ensure usability and accuracy, as well as conducting field tests to validate their effectiveness. Additionally, the research will explore the economic viability of these sensors to enhance real-time data collection and improve monitoring practices, and the social factors that influence their uptake.
This studentship offers a unique opportunity to engage in ground-breaking research with practical applications, promoting community involvement in detecting chemical and biological contaminants and monitoring biodiversity. The successful candidate will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, along with support from leading experts in Advanced Sensor Technology Research Group and Environmental Assessment Facilities at Cranfield University.
This fully funded studentship is part of the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is funding up to 18 PhD studentships to conduct multidisciplinary research on freshwater ecosystems, across two universities, Cranfield and Roehampton. The programme aims to develop a deeper, holistic understanding of the interactions between humans and the environment to support sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges affecting our river, lake, wetland, and groundwater ecosystems. To find more information on the programme, please see the official CONNECT website.
At a glance
- Application deadline25 Feb 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years full time
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0034
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with experience in molecular techniques and fieldwork. Excellent communication skills and a passion for biodiversity conservation are essential.
Funding
Sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University, this Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship will cover the stipend (£19,237; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Professor Zhugen Yang
Email: Zhugen.Yang@cranfield.ac.uk
