This exciting fully funded PhD, with an enhanced stipend of £26,546 per annum (with fees covered), is sponsored by Anglian Water and EPSRC. The research will focus on strengthening nature-based solutions for nutrient control and biodiversity gain in water and wastewater management. The project will first use a newly constructed integrated constructed wetland (ICW) as a case study, combining field investigations, laboratory analysis, and hydraulic modelling to address pressing regulatory and environmental challenges faced by the UK water sector. The outcomes will support the development of low-carbon, resilient treatment systems and provide practical guidance for utilities seeking sustainable alternatives to conventional nutrient removal technologies.
Nutrient pollution, particularly phosphorus, remains a major challenge for freshwater ecosystems in the UK and globally. Conventional chemical dosing to meet increasingly stringent discharge limits can be costly, energy-intensive, and increase carbon emissions. Nature-based solutions (NbS), such as integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs), offer sustainable alternatives that combine effective nutrient removal with biodiversity benefits. Optimising these systems is critical to enhance their environmental performance, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to resilient, low-carbon water infrastructure. This project sits at the interface of environmental engineering, water quality management, and sustainable infrastructure.
This PhD project will explore how ICWs can be strengthened through design, operation, and monitoring to reduce land requirements, optimise nutrient removal, and deliver broader ecosystem benefits. The research will combine field monitoring at a newly constructed wetland with laboratory analysis and hydraulic modelling. Key investigations will focus on hydraulic performance, nutrient removal mechanisms, downstream water quality impacts, and biodiversity gains, alongside testing how wetland design and footprint can be optimised. The project will generate practical guidance for more efficient, low-carbon, and sustainable wastewater treatment.
The project will provide robust evidence to optimise ICW design and operation, support utilities in reducing reliance on chemical dosing, and enhance phosphorus removal efficiency. It will generate guidance for catchment-scale deployment of NbS, demonstrating how ICWs contribute to biodiversity, water quality, and regulatory compliance. Outputs will inform low-carbon, resilient infrastructure planning and support wider adoption of nature-based solutions across the UK water sector.
This project is a collaboration between ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, Anglian Water, and EPSRC, and is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe). The WIRe programme offers a bespoke training programme in technical and personal skills, access to world-leading experimental facilities. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to undertake an international placement. More details of the CDT WIRe can be found at www.cdtwire.com. It is an inclusive and diverse doctoral centre and welcomes applications from all highly motivated individuals, regardless of background, identity or disability.
The industrial partner of this project is Anglian Water. Anglian Water is the largest water and wastewater company in England and a leader in sustainable water management and innovation. It supplies water to over six million people and manages wastewater services for more than three million households. The company actively supports research that addresses practical challenges across the UK water sector, including nature-based solutions, low-carbon treatment technologies, and resource efficiency, helping to drive innovation and resilience across the industry.
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 help you develop 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 deadline15 Apr 2026
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date28 Sep 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time)
- EligibilityUK, Rest of world
- Reference numberCRAN-0059
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline. This project would suit candidates from relevant subjects including Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Engineering, Civil or Chemical Engineering, or other related science or engineering degrees. It is essential that candidates have experience of, or a good understanding of, biological wastewater treatment processes. Candidates should be self-motivated, have strong communication skills for regular interaction with stakeholders, and demonstrate a keen interest in applied scientific research.
Funding
Sponsored by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and Anglian Water, this PhD studentship will provide a bursary of £26,546 (tax free) and cover registration fees for four years. Extra training and placement (overseas/industry) costs will be covered, subject to supervisor approval.
This studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.
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 Tao Lyu
Email: t.lyu@cranfield.ac.uk
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
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.
