Key information
Are you driven to solve complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and public health? We are developing techniques to detect bacteria and viruses in the form of bioaerosols and to use the information to understand trends in disease transmission and prevalence within buildings.
- Code
- EGIS2025-MG1
- School
- Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Award
- PhD
- Supervisor
- Michael Gormley
- Start date
- September
- Closing date
- Thursday, 31 July 2025
- Duration
- 42 months
Are you driven to solve complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and public health? We are developing techniques to detect bacteria and viruses in the form of bioaerosols and to use the information to understand trends in disease transmission and prevalence within buildings.
At the Institute of Sustainable Environment (ISBE) at Heriot-Watt University, we are offering an exceptional opportunity for a PhD candidate to explore and address these pressing concerns. This groundbreaking research will investigate the complex interactions between air and water management in building drainage systems, focusing on the fluid dynamic mechanisms driving aerosolisation in turbulent flows. The project will also examine how water chemistry and detergents influence aerosolisation, with additional emphasis on advancing very near source buildings-related wastewater-based epidemiology (BR-WBE) as a tool for public health monitoring.
Central to the research is the development of our patented device that combines public health engineering with environmental monitoring to identify infectious particles. The candidate will have access to world-class facilities, including a custom-designed test site at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Cutting-edge technology, such as the Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS 3321) funded by EPSRC, will also support this work.
Joining our dynamic, multidisciplinary research group in Public Health and Environmental Engineering, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and excellence. Our supportive environment fosters professional growth and offers extensive opportunities to contribute to influential research publications and engage with industry leaders. In addition to the benefits of completing a PhD study with us there may be opportunities for continuing work in the commercialisation of our patented technology upon completion, this is your chance to contribute to transformative research with global implications, tackling critical issues in public health. Apply today and become part of a team shaping the future of our cities!
Project supervisor
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
The successful candidate should have a strong interest in applied research and possess, at minimum, a good honours degree (BEng or BSc) with a classification of at least 2:1, or preferably a master's degree (MEng or MSc) in one of the following fields:
- Building Services Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Applied Microbiology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Additional information
Desired Skills and Experience
- Strong background in environmental engineering, microbiology, or related fields.
- Experience with laboratory techniques and data analysis.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Passion for interdisciplinary research and public health.
- Experience in laboratory-based measurement of wastewater aerosolization processes is advantageous but not essential.
Applications and enquiries
To apply you must complete our online application form.
Please select PhD Construction as the programme and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.
Once you 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.
Please contact Prof Michael Gormley (M.Gormley@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.
Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.
English language requirements
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.
Funding information
This scholarship will cover tuition fees at the home rate and provide an annual stipend (paid in line with UKRI recommended rates, £20,780 in 2025-26) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.
Applications from students who are liable for overseas fees may also be considered, provided there is confirmed funding to cover the additional cost (approx £15,000 per annum).
In 2025/26, international fees for this programme are £19,816. Home fees (which are included in the scholarship) are £5,006.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.