Embark on a thrilling, fully funded four-year PhD journey, with an enhanced stipend of £25,726 per year, and deliver new evidence on how nature-based solutions can reduce the occurrence and mitigate the impacts of intermittent discharges, such as sewage overflow (SO) spills on our natural watercourses. This cutting-edge research will look at how to engineer these green technologies to maximise environmental benefits, and enable smarter investments in water infrastructure and management. By joining this ambitious effort, you will contribute to improve the natural environment, the state of our rivers, and help shape future funding and policy strategies in the UK and abroad. 
 
With this PhD, you will become an integral member of the , a prestigious collaboration between 重口味SM University, the University of Sheffield, and Newcastle University. The WIRe programme offers bespoke training that hones both technical and personal skills, alongside unique opportunities for research placements and access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities. As part of this privileged group, you will evolve into a highly skilled researcher with expertise in communication, project management, and leadership. You will build a robust national and international network and acquire advanced knowledge essential for implementing critical environmental policies. This PhD will position you at the forefront of the water sector, paving the way for a successful career in academia, consultancy, or industry to drive impactful change.

Water infrastructure in the UK relies on combined conveyance of sewage, surface runoff, and pre-treated industrial wastewater. Emergency overflows divert excess flows to receiving water courses or attenuation facilities to prevent sewage backing up. Initially designed for intermittent discharges, these overflows now routinely operate due to population growth, increased paved areas, infrastructure ageing, and water ingress, with only 40% of SO spilling less than the target 10 spills per year in 2023. Climate change impacts will exacerbate this issue, as more periods of drought (where pollutants settle in the bottom of the pipes) followed by flash floods (high flows in paved areas that feed the sewers and push settled pollutants out of the pipes) are expected to be the norm. Negative public perception and regulatory response have led to targets for reducing overflow frequency, ecological harm, visual impacts, and protecting bathing water. 
 
This PhD project has been co-developed with four UK water companies and the Environment Agency to address crucial gaps in knowledge needed to make nature-based solutions a central strategy for reducing occurrence and impact of SO spills. The objectives of the project include mapping land availability for nature-based solutions around SO; assessing expected SO contaminant loads; quantifying pollution, water volume attenuation and co-benefits provided by different nature-based solutions; and developing a prioritised portfolio of effective nature-based solutions for managing SO in selected catchments. This comprehensive research approach combines fieldwork, pilot experiments, and modelling to provide a robust framework for integrating nature-based solutions into SO management. This can alleviate the pressure on treatment infrastructure and reduce dependence on grey infrastructure, building resilience and long-term sustainability.
 
This fully funded PhD includes an enhanced stipend of £25,726 per year, undertaking an international placement, and completing a bespoke training programme within a cohort of up to 15 students. 

At a glance

  • Application deadline30 Jul 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date29 Sep 2025
  • Duration of award4 Years
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberSWEE0294

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Dr Andrea Momblanch
2nd Supervisor: Prof Bruce Jefferson

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class UK honours MSc degree, or equivalent, in a related discipline, such as environmental, ecological or civil engineering, environmental science, hydrology, ecology, water resources management, and geography. A full-UK driving license is essential. The ideal candidate should have some experience in setting up experimental trials and/or modelling. Previous experience of water quality sampling and analysis is recommended but not essential. The candidate should be self-motivated, have excellent communication skills for regular interaction with industrial sponsors and supervisors, with an interest in applied scientific research. We particularly welcome applications from diverse and under-represented backgrounds and can offer flexible working arrangements.

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC and three industrial partners, this studentship will cover: PhD fees; research equipment and consumables; and a stipend of £25,726 per annum. Additionally, it will give access to a Research Training Support Grant of £20,000 over the duration of the PhD for research-related personal development activities such as conference attendance and national or international research placements, subject to supervisor approval.

*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.

重口味SM Doctoral Network

Research students at 重口味SM benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 重口味SM 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 Andrea Momblanch
 

If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the  Please note we will be interviewing as applications are received.

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.

For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.