This exciting fully funded PhD, with an enhanced stipend of £25,726 pa, is sponsored by Anglian Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water and EPSRC. The research will address the challenge of forever chemicals in drinking water. The aim of this research is to develop a smart data predictive model that will support utilities’ evidence-based decision-making to improve the resilience and cost-effectiveness of forever chemicals removal from water. The model will use experimental data gathered during the project through testing. The successful candidate will work closely with the project sponsors to deliver the outputs and will have access to a bespoke training programme. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “Forever Chemicals”, are micropollutants of increasing concern in the UK and worldwide. Recent regulatory guidelines require water utilities in England and Wales to ensure PFAS are effectively removed from drinking water. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is one of the key processes featuring PFAS strategy plans. It is a widely implemented process with well-known infrastructure and operation. However, while GAC regeneration frequencies for micropollutants such as pesticides can range from 4 to 10 years, meeting PFAS guidelines can reduce its operation to just a few months, depending on the PFAS signature of the water. This puts increasing pressure on the process cost and sustainability. As a result, water utilities rely on intensive sampling, testing and expensive analysis, often with long turnaround times, to characterise PFAS behaviour in GAC beds.
 
This project will deliver a model that integrates water quality to predict PFAS behaviour in GAC filters. The model will give water companies a practical tool to forecast GAC bed life under different water qualities, reduce monitoring burden, and enable proactive, cost-effective compliance with future PFAS standards.
 
The aim of this research is to develop a mechanistic-driven multicomponent model to predict PFAS breakthrough in GAC. The specific objectives are:
 
  • Produce experimental data to characterise forever chemical removal in GAC systems
  • Build a mechanistic model using the experimental data produced and that represents PFAS removal in GAC systems
  • Validate the model with data from live treatment plants
The key impact of this project is:
 
  • Cost savings derived from operating GAC systems optimally for forever chemicals
  • Accurate regeneration frequency strategies
  • Reduce the need for additional experimental testing
  • Minimise the cost associated to PFAS analysis
The project will provide an evidence-based approach that will directly contribute to short- and medium term- strategic planning for forever chemicals. Project results will be used to future-proofing assets for current and future PFAS regulations. The data produced will contribute to a more efficient use of GAC, therefore reducing carbon footprint and OPEX, and increasing sustainability.
 
This project is an exciting collaboration between the Cranfield Water Science Institute, Anglian Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water and EPSRC. This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe). The WIRe programme includes a bespoke training programme in technical and personal skills development, and provides opportunities for overseas travel and access to world leading experimental facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to undertake an international placement. It is an inclusive and diverse doctoral centre and welcomes applications from all highly motivated individuals, regardless of background, identity or disability.
 
At the end of the project the successful applicant will be very well positioned to have a highly successful career in the water sector or in an academic role. We will support your development into a dynamic, confident and highly competent researcher with wider transferable skills (communication, project management and leadership) with an international network of colleagues.

At a glance

  • Application deadline25 Mar 2026
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date28 Sep 2026
  • Duration of award4 years (full-time) and 6 years (part-time)
  • EligibilityUK, Rest of world
  • Reference numberCRAN-0053

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Irene Carra

2nd Supervisor: Professor Peter Jarvis

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first- or second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with degrees in a relevant subject such as chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science or other relevant engineering/science degree. The ideal candidate should have some understanding of water science. The candidate should be self-motivated, driven, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest in applied scientific research. Modelling skills are desirable.

Funding

Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and the UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR), this PhD studentship will provide a bursary of £25,726 (tax free) and covers registration fees for four years. 

This studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to students with Overseas fee status. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.

UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used.

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.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme. 

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: Dr Irene Carra
Email: irene.carra@cranfield.ac.uk  

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.