PhD Studentship: Development of Origami-paper eDNA Sensors for Real-time Surveillance of Freshwater Ecosystems

Cranfield University

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:CranfieldFunding for:UK StudentsFunding amount:£20,780 tax free and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.Hours:Full TimePlaced On:9th December 2025Closes:25th February 2026Reference:CRAN-0034

Start date: 28/09/2026

Type of opportunity

Fee status: UK

Duration 4 years

1st Supervisor: Professor Zhugen Yang

2nd Supervisor: Dr Robert Grabowski

Cranfield University is excited to invite applications for a PhD studentship focused on developing and validating innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors with community scientists for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in rivers. The studentship is funded by the Leverhulme Trust through the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is supporting new research on human-environment interactions in freshwater ecosystems.

There is an urgent need for novel freshwater quality monitoring solutions to help mitigate the risks that contaminants pose to water security, human wellbeing, and biodiversity. This PhD will work with conservation charities and citizen scientists to develop and validate innovative origami-paper eDNA sensors for the rapid detection of chemical and microbial contaminants in river water.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively within a dynamic team, utilising cutting-edge technology to create low-cost and user-friendly sensors for deployment by citizen scientists. The project will involve co-designing the sensors with public stakeholders to ensure usability and accuracy, as well as conducting field tests to validate their effectiveness. Additionally, the research will explore the economic viability of these sensors to enhance real-time data collection and improve monitoring practices, and the social factors that influence their uptake.

This studentship offers a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research with practical applications, promoting community involvement in detecting chemical and biological contaminants and monitoring biodiversity. The successful candidate will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, along with support from leading experts in Advanced Sensor Technology Research Group and Environmental Assessment Facilities at Cranfield University.

This fully funded studentship is part of the Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral Programme, which is funding up to 18 PhD studentships to conduct multidisciplinary research on freshwater ecosystems, across two universities, Cranfield and Roehampton. To find more information on the programme, please see the official CONNECT website.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. Ideal candidates should have a strong background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with experience in molecular techniques and fieldwork. Excellent communication skills and a passion for biodiversity conservation are essential.

Funding

This fully funded Connected Waters Leverhulme Doctoral programme studentship is sponsored by the Leverhulme Trust and Cranfield University and covers a stipend (£20,780; tax free) and fees for up to 4 years for a home (UK) student.

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.

Scholars must be registered as full-time PhD students or provide a minimum time commitment of 50%, if part time students, unless the Trust gives explicit permission for this to be varied. Scholars will be subject to the terms and conditions applying to doctoral students within the host institution where they are registered.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Professor Zhugen Yang Email: Zhugen.Yang@cranfield.ac.uk

To apply, please complete the online application form via the above 'Apply' button.