PhD Engineering Safer Healthcare Water Systems: Tackling Opportunistic Waterborne Pathogens

Project Description

At the Institute for Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE) at Heriot-Watt University, we are offering an exciting opportunity to undertake research at the interface of public health engineering, water microbiology, and healthcare infrastructure. This project will address a critical challenge facing healthcare providers worldwide: the persistence of opportunistic pathogens within building water systems and the associated risk of healthcare-associated infections.

OPPPs, including Legionella pneumophila, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can colonise plumbing networks, storage vessels, fixtures, and outlets, where they proliferate within biofilms and water systems. While current guidance largely focuses on controlling individual organisms, there is increasing recognition that broader engineering approaches are needed to reduce the risk posed by the full spectrum of waterborne pathogens. The challenge is further compounded by modern healthcare buildings increasingly incorporating water-saving technologies, low-flow fixtures, and complex plumbing configurations that may inadvertently promote water stagnation and microbial growth.

Working in collaboration with NHS Scotland Assure, this PhD project will investigate the relationship between water system design and the emergence, persistence, and transmission of OPPPs within healthcare environments. The research will combine field investigations within NHS facilities, laboratory experimentation, and engineering analysis to identify the design and operational characteristics that influence microbial colonisation.

The successful candidate will examine how factors such as temperature, hydraulic performance, water age, flow regimes, materials, and system configuration affect pathogen growth and survival. Using both real-world healthcare systems and representative laboratory-scale test rigs, the project will explore the mechanisms that drive biofilm development and microbial persistence. The research will also evaluate engineering interventions aimed at reducing pathogen colonisation and transmission, assessing their effectiveness, practicality, sustainability, and long-term performance.

A key outcome of the project will be the identification of safe target levels of important pathogenic NTM species in water systems, as well as the development of evidence-based design principles and engineering recommendations that can inform future healthcare water system standards and guidance. The findings have the potential to influence the design of healthcare infrastructure across the UK and internationally, improving patient safety and reducing infection risks.

Joining our dynamic Public Health and Environmental Engineering research group, you will become part of a multidisciplinary team with expertise spanning water engineering, building services, microbiology, environmental health, and healthcare infrastructure. The group has a strong track record of delivering impactful research that directly informs policy, standards, and industry practice. You will benefit from a supportive and collaborative research environment, access to specialist laboratory facilities, opportunities to work closely with NHS partners and industry stakeholders, and the chance to contribute to high-impact journal publications and conference presentations.

This is a unique opportunity to undertake research with tangible real-world impact, helping to shape the future of healthcare water system design and improve public health outcomes through engineering innovation.

Eligibility:

This project is open to candidates who are eligible for home (UK) fee status only.

The successful candidate should be highly motivated with a strong interest in applied research. Applicants should hold, as a minimum, a good honours degree (BEng or BSc) with a classification of at least 2:1, or a master's degree (MEng or MSc) in one of the following subject areas:

• Architectural Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Building Services Engineering
• Public Health Engineering
• Healthcare Engineering
• Water Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics
• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Or a closely related discipline

Experience in water systems, microbiology, environmental monitoring, laboratory experimentation, data analysis, or healthcare engineering would be advantageous but is not essential. Strong analytical skills, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are expected.

Funding:

This fully funded PhD studentship is supported through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) Strategic Studentship programme. These highly competitive awards are designed to develop the next generation of engineering and physical sciences researchers, providing outstanding training, networking opportunities, and access to leading academic and industry partners. As a recipient of this prestigious award, the successful candidate will join a nationally recognised cohort of doctoral researchers tackling strategically important challenges facing society and industry.

This scholarship which will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and provide a stipend (paid in line with UKRI recommended rates; £21,805 in 2026-27) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

How to Apply:

1. To apply you must complete our online application form.
2. Please select PhD Construction as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2026DLA-DK2) and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.
3. Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.
4. If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 6.0.If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies. For more information about your application and our English Language requirements, please see Section 10 of our page on English Language Requirements as part of your application.

Enquiries:

Please contact Dr David Kelly (D.A.Kelly@hw.ac.uk)for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

Applications will remain open until the position is filled and will be reviewed every two weeks, beginning on 30 October 2026. Interviews will be arranged shortly after each review date. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. A successful candidate must be identified by 31 January 2027. The start date is flexible and will be agreed with the successful candidate, with enrolment expected by October 2027.