Environmental Chemistry (equality) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Ammonia futures – the changing face of atmospheric nitrogen emissions

Supervisors: Dr S Moller, Prof A C Lewis

Introduction. Air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health, and impacts biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Read more

24 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Direct analysis ion mobility mass spectrometry for rapid profiling of edible fats and oils to combat food adulteration

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Background. Food safety and authenticity are generally taken for granted, yet food adulteration is one of the most significant challenges faced in the UK, with the total impact of food crime on the UK estimated to be between £409 million and £1.96 billion per year [Food Standards Agency, 2023]. Read more

Supervisor: Dr J Mosely

University of Edinburgh School of Engineering

Determining the water retention behaviour of unsaturated hydrophobic granular soils

Hydrophobic granular soils are under investigation for constructing roads on frost-susceptible soils in China and the US, in preference to cementitious stabilisation. Read more

Supervisor: Dr C Beckett

1 December 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

The University of Manchester Department of Chemistry

Understanding shale rock swelling for energy systems: novel integrated modelling and experimental approaches

A fully funded PhD position is available in the group of Professor Carbone (Department of Chemistry) and Professor Taylor (Department of Earth Science) at the University of Manchester starting from September 2024. Read more

Supervisors: Dr P Carbone, Prof K Taylor

31 August 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Materials

Investigating the effect of plastics recycling on nanoplastic production in packaging applications

Nanoplastics, defined as plastic particles measuring less than 1000 nanometres, have emerged as a significant concern due to their ability to infiltrate ecosystems, posing potential risks to the environment. Read more

Supervisor: Dr T McDonald

25 August 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Last chance to apply

Investigating environmental redox chemistry of uranium and other key radionuclides using novel electrochemical techniques

A fully-funded PhD studentship is available to a chemistry or related discipline graduate with interests in environmental radioactivity. Read more

Supervisors: Prof K Morris, Dr T Neill

30 April 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Chemistry

Atomistic insight into the interactions of small molecules with PuO2 surfaces

The safe long-term storage of spent nuclear fuel is of paramount importance. Crucial to this is understanding the interactions between absorbed gases and water with the surfaces of PuO. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Skelton, Prof N Kaltsoyannis, Dr J Flitcroft

Year round applications PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Chemical Engineering

Photoreforming of biomass to hydrogen in seawater

This project focuses on production of hydrogen, a promising candidate for the next generation of energy vectors, through photoreforming of biomass in the presence of seawater. Read more

Supervisors: Dr M Falkowska, Prof C Hardacre

1 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Last chance to apply

Geomicrobiological controls on radionuclide speciation and fate during the geodisposal of radioactive waste

Context. The UK has been generating electricity from nuclear power for over sixty years. Consequently, the safe disposal of the UK’s existing ~750,000 m3 of radioactive waste is a clear priority. Read more

Supervisors: Prof J Lloyd, Prof S Shaw, Dr A Uknnl

30 April 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Last chance to apply

Geochemical Controls on Radionuclide Transport and Fate in Sedimentary Rock – A combined experimental and modelling study

Context. The UK has been generating electricity from nuclear power for over sixty years. Consequently, the safe disposal of the UK’s existing ~750,000 m3 of radioactive waste is a clear priority. Read more

Supervisors: Prof S Shaw, Prof K Morris, Dr LL Abrahamsen-Mills

30 April 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Materials

Alternative Materials and Processes for the Textile and Fashion Industry

The fashion and textile industries conduct some of the most polluting practices on the planet. Many initiatives are striving to positively impact the issues the industry faces, in line with climate targets and UN sustainable development goals. Read more

Supervisor: Dr J Wood

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

The University of Manchester Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Metamaterials for catalysis

A meta-atom is an engineered sub-wavelength structure that, when periodically arranged like an atomic lattice, enable optical, electronic, thermal, and chemical functionalities not seen in conventional designs. Read more

Supervisor: Dr J Loh

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

The University of Manchester Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Developing (bio)remediation options for high pH radionuclide contaminated land and water

The management of radioactively contaminated land is a global “grand challenge”. In the UK this represents a £multi-billion project that will take many decades to complete. Read more

Supervisors: Prof J Lloyd, Prof K Morris, Prof S Shaw

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

The University of Manchester Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Where has all of the carbon gone? Understanding the molecular mechanisms of long-term soil carbon capture

Soils, while unglamorous, form the basis of the terrestrial biosphere and are ultimately the source of the majority of the food that we eat, yet fundamental aspects of how soils form and how they store carbon are poorly understood. Read more

Supervisors: Prof D Cameron, Dr S Nixon

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

University of Cambridge Department of Chemistry

PhD Studentship in Solar Chemical Technologies

A PhD studentship is available at the University of Cambridge, starting in October 2025 under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. Read more

Supervisor: Prof E Reisner

29 November 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of Cambridge Department of Chemistry

PhD Studentship in Chemistry for Catalytic CO2 Utilisation

A PhD studentship is available at the University of Cambridge, starting in October 2025 under the supervision of Professor Erwin Reisner in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. Read more

Supervisor: Prof E Reisner

29 November 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

University of Strathclyde Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Enhanced Cements for Nuclear Waste Encapsulation

Blended cements are formed from a mix of ordinary cement and another cementitious material, known as clinker substitute. These alternative materials are frequently used in the cement and concrete industries to. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Renshaw, Dr K Dobson

22 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

University of Strathclyde Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Impact of mineral trapping of nanoparticles on radionuclide transport and fate

This PhD presents an exciting opportunity to explore new mechanisms which can impact radionuclide movement in the environment. You will join a dynamic and friendly team of researchers and PhD students across the university and industry sectors, working to innovate new knowledge and technologies. . Read more

Supervisor: Prof V Phoenix

22 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

University of Strathclyde Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Mechanochemical separation of hydrogen isotopes

This PhD project will build on pilot experiments conducted at Strathclyde to develop a new technology that uses mechanochemical reactions to separate hydrogen isotopes. Read more

Supervisors: Prof R Lunn, Dr M Stillings

26 June 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

University of Strathclyde Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Engineering Mineral Layers for Decommissionable Concrete

Nuclear sites contain large volumes of radioactively contaminated concrete. Prior to decommissioning, these concrete structures must be surface decontaminated to minimise the requirement for waste disposal. Read more

Supervisors: Dr J Renshaw, Prof R Lunn

22 May 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Understanding the emissions and toxicity from domestic burning in the UK

Supervisors: Prof J Hamilton, Dr A R Rickard

Poor air quality is the biggest environmental factor contributing to premature mortality globally. Read more

1 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Development of improved and targeted quantification of ammonia emissions

Supervisors: Prof D Carslaw, Dr M S Shaw, Dr N Farren

Introduction. Ammonia (NH. 3. ) has an ever-growing influence on air pollution in the UK and worldwide with numerous considerable impacts such as the formation of secondary particles (now the dominant contribution), nitrogen deposition and eutrophication. Read more

1 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Towards a better understanding of indoor air quality in the home

Supervisors: Dr M S Shaw, Prof N Carslaw, Prof A C Lewis

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently stated that exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution was one of the greatest risks to human health, and that improving air quality was necessary to reduce the global incidence and impact of diseases such as lung cancer, stroke, and asthma. Read more

1 May 2024 PhD Research Project Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

PhD in Chemistry: Improving protease performance

Supervisors: Prof G J Hutchings, Prof S Taylor

An industrially funded studentship is available in the research group of Regius Professor Graham Hutchings and Professor Stuart Taylor together with Professor Nigel Richards to work on protease enzymes. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Design and engineering of peptides and proteins to create artificial metalloenzymes

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

The Rhys lab is an exciting new lab looking to recruit new students to design and engineer peptides and proteins for new applications (rhyslab.com). Read more

Supervisor: Dr G Rhys

PhD in Chemistry: Developing innovative organofluorine chemistry

Supervisor: Dr M Tredwell

PhD in Chemistry - Developing innovative organofluorine chemistry. Dr Matthew Tredwell is looking for a PhD student to develop innovative organofluorine chemistry. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

PhD in Chemistry - Microwave assisted synthesis of doped semiconductors for photocatalytic applications

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Microwave assisted synthesis of doped semiconductors for photocatalytic applications. Read more

Supervisor: Dr J Edwards

University of Birmingham School of Chemistry

PhD studentship in in situ imaging and diffraction of dual-phase zeolite composites for nuclear waste remediation.

Applications are sought for a PhD project under the supervision of Dr Phoebe Allan at the University of Birmingham, Dr Sharif Ahmed and Dr Joe Hriljac at Diamond Light Source, and Dr Tom Carey at the National Nuclear Laboratory. Read more

Supervisor: Dr P Allan

Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

PhD in Chemistry: Computer simulation of metal-amyloid interaction and its role in plaque formation

Supervisor: Prof J Platts

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest healthcare challenges facing 21st century society. AD is associated with formation of fibrils and plaques in brain tissue that impair proper functioning of neurons. Read more

Year round applications PhD Research Project Self-Funded PhD Students Only