Bio-electrochemical Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

About the Project

The protection of water resources by the development of effective and energy efficient wastewater treatment is essential to meet global development challenges. We have developed a novel microbial fuel cell-based wastewater treatment reactor which treats wastewater while generating electricity. You will work as part of a team funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to research the performance of this reactor in treating wastewater by determining its efficiency in removing organic pollution, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) pharmaceuticals and personal care products. You will be trained in the use of advanced analytical techniques for electrochemical and wastewater analysis.

Applications are invited from graduates with backgrounds in Bioscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Chemical/Biochemical/Process Engineering, Environmental Science and related disciplines who have/expect to graduate with a MSc or first/upper-second UK honours degree, or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK. Knowledge of chemical techniques related to water analysis such as chemical oxygen demand measurement, UV spectrometry and/or HPLC is desirable.

Supervisory Team:

• (Director of Studies), Professor Richard Dinsdale
• (Supervisors/Advisors) Dr Rodrigo Fernandez Feito and Dr Amandeep Kaur

Scholarship details

The studentship includes tuition fees at the UK home student rate (£5238 per year, full-time) and a stipend of £21,805 per annum for three years (or part-time equivalent).

Eligibility

• Hold a relevant undergraduate degree (2:1 or higher) in Bioscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Chemical/Biochemical/Process Engineering, Environmental Science and related disciplines.
• Knowledge of chemical techniques related to water analysis such as chemical oxygen demand measurement, UV spectrometry and/or HPLC is desirable.
• Be highly self-motivated, with a capacity to learn and develop new research skills
• Have well-developed interpersonal skills for collaborative work
• Have an ability to produce technical reports and communicate findings
• Be UK-resident.

How to Apply

For guidance on your application and supporting documents please visit the Graduate School webpages

Please indicate in your personal statement that you are applying for this studentship. Please note: A research proposal is not required.

You can apply here

You may contact Llinos Spargo in the Graduate School for advice on the application process

Email: llinos.spargo@southwales.ac.uk

For informal discussions about the research, please contact:

Professor Richard Dinsdale

Email: Richard.dinsdale@southwales.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 7780 074870

• Closing date: Friday 5th June 2026
• Interview date: Mid-June 2026 (TBC)
• Start date: October 2026