PhD in Environmental Engineering - Revealing the microbial drivers of nitrous oxide sources and sinks in Scottish Waste Water Treatment Plants

 
 
 

  • College of Science and Engineering

  • Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

  • Start date: From October 2025

About the Project

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas 265-300 times greater than CO2 with a long residence time in the atmosphere. It is produced during wastewater treatment by microbial processes to remove nitrogen, including nitrification and denitrification. There are numerous factors with complex interplay within biological treatment which can and do result in N2O emissions.  

Scottish Water is undertaking an ambitious project to monitor 25 of their larger treatment works which treat approximately 80% of the population. To underpin evidence-based decision making to mitigate nitrous oxide emissions from Scottish Water WWTPs we are undertaking a program of research with several interrelated PhD studentships spanning difference scales of N2O production from micro(biological) to plant to national scale. This studentship will focus on the microbiological processes driving processes emissions. During wastewater treatment nitrifiers produce N2O via the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite while denitrifiers both produce and provide the only biological sink of nitrous oxide via its reduction to harmless dinitrogen gas (N2) during respiratory denitrification.   

In this PhD we aim to reveal what processes and organisms are contributing to N2O sinks and sources across WWTPs in Scotland. The research will employ a combination of field-studies, laboratory incubations and advanced molecular ecology approaches to identify active microbial producers of nitrous oxide.  

We seek a motivated student with a keen interest in sustainable water treatment and mitigating process emissions through their research. The ideal candidate will have: 

  • A first class or upper second-class honours degree in microbiology, environmental science, biotechnology, environment/chemical/civil engineering or similar subject area 

  • A relevant Master’s degree is desirable 

  • Experience and/or strong interest in environmental microbiology/biotechnology/wastewater engineering 

  • Ability to work across disciplines and in collaboration with industry partners. 

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply: 

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/. 

Student's should also send Dr Carlos Domingo-Felez (carlos.domingo-felez@glasgow.ac.uk) and Professor Cindy Smith (cindy.smith@glasgow.ac.uk):

  • one page letter of motivation stating why they are interested and why they are suitable;

  • a CV, no more than 3-pages

  • names and emails of two academic referees who we can contact. 

Funding Notes

4 Years Fees and Stipend at UKRI Home fees and stipend level (to include Rep Ireland). The stipend for 2025/26 is £20,780 (rising in line with research councils).

PhD StudentshipAndrew Bonnar