PhD Studentship - Trends and Mitigations in Behaviour Based Domestic Stove Emissions

PhD Studentship - Trends and Mitigations in Behaviour Based Domestic Stove Emissions

The University of Manchester

Manchester, United Kingdom

General Description The University of Manchester's Department of Civil Engineering and Management invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on Trends and Mitigations in Behaviour Based Domestic Stove Emissions. This three year research opportunity, funded by the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) and the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), addresses the urgent challenge of domestic burning as a major contributor to air pollution in the UK. The project will explore how fuel types and user behaviour influence emission trends from a wide range of domestic stoves and assess potential mitigation strategies. The research will integrate experimental data, DEFRA commissioned survey results, laboratory activity maps, and air quality modelling (using WRF CMAQ) to quantify emissions, model air quality outcomes, and estimate population exposure under different behavioural scenarios. Insights from this work aim to inform future government interventions - including public information campaigns and regulatory measures - by evaluating their potential effectiveness through scenario based assessments. The studentship also provides access to extensive training resources, interdisciplinary supervisory support, professional development courses in project management and academic writing, and specialized training for engagement with policymakers through the University's unit and NCAS postgraduate programmes.

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must have, or be expected to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field. This opportunity is open to UK (HOME) students only.

Required expertise/skills Strong academic grounding in one or more of the relevant disciplines listed above is required. Demonstrated interest in air quality research, environmental modelling, experimental methods, or related areas will strengthen applications. Candidates should be able to articulate their motivation for undertaking research on domestic emissions and behaviour based air quality interventions.

Salary details This studentship offers a full time, three year funded position including a UKRI rate annual tax free stipend of £20,780 (2025/26 rate), with full tuition fees covered. The stipend is expected to increase in subsequent years.