Project Overview
About the Position
This Sheffield ECOSOLUTIONS project examines how irrigation wastewater and pesticides jointly influence antimicrobial resistance in agricultural soils and groundwater.
The advertised programme provides 45 months of doctoral funding, subject to its selection and eligibility rules.
Official Project Title
Understanding interactions between wastewater and pesticides on the fate of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in fields
Research Focus and Methods
Compare irrigation sources and use tomato soil mesocosms to study contaminants, microbial diversity and resistance. Test pesticide effects and possible mitigations, including pesticide-degrading bacteria.
Research Training and Development
Includes a three-month secondment with Defra/Fera.
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | PhD studentship; selection is competitive |
| Programme | NERC ECOSOLUTIONS |
| Duration | 45 months (three years and nine months) |
| Stipend | UKRI-rate living stipend. The programme quotes £21,805 per year for 2026/27; the 2027/28 rate is not yet published on the checked funding page. |
| Tuition and research support | Competitive NERC ECOSOLUTIONS scholarship covering tuition and a UKRI-rate stipend for 45 months. |
| Award conditions | A project listing is an invitation to compete for programme funding; international awards are limited. |
| Stipend amount status | £21,805 is the published 2026/27 reference rate. Subsequent academic-year rates and the amount in an individual funding offer should be checked separately. |
Eligibility and English Language
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | UK/Home and international applicants; Sheffield has very limited funded international places. |
| Academic preparation | At least an upper-second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. |
| Project interests and skills | Laboratory skills and data analysis or modelling are essential; project 8. |
| English language | Meet the host university’s English-language admission rules. An approved alternative or exemption may apply; IELTS is not universally mandatory. |
About University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield is a public research university in Sheffield, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across engineering, science, medicine, business, humanities and social sciences. Its academic community connects research and teaching with practical challenges in health, technology, sustainability and society.
Official website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/
Application Dates and Location
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Start date | September 2027; exact start day not specified |
| Research location | Sheffield, United Kingdom |
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 30 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
- Read the official ECOSOLUTIONS programme page and the linked project advert.
- Use the Apply now link on the official programme page and identify the relevant project.
- Follow the application form’s current supporting-document instructions; the programme page does not provide a complete document checklist.
- Contact the project supervisor for project-specific questions.
Applications are assessed by the programme committee; shortlisted candidates are invited to online interviews. The interview date is not yet specified.
Supervisors and Contact
| Supervisor | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Ellie Harrison | Primary Supervisor | ellie.harrison@sheffield.ac.uk |
Application Preparation
For application preparation, see How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips, Is a PhD Funded for International Students? How to Check the Advert and PhD Interview Preparation: Research Questions and Clear Answers.
Official Link
- Official Sheffield programme listing, funding and application guidance
- University-linked project advert hosted on FindAPhD
- Dr Ellie Harrison: official profile
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK?
The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source gives neither a closing time nor a time zone.
Is PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Sheffield.
How do I apply for PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK?
Applications for PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK are submitted directly to University of Sheffield through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD in Wastewater, Pesticides and AMR at University of Sheffield, UK offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield is a public research university in Sheffield, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral education across engineering, science, medicine, business, humanities and social sciences. Its academic community connects research and teaching with practical challenges in health, technology, sustainability and society.
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