About the Project
Description of Project:
Human activities (e.g. mining, construction) disturb soils and associated organisms, which is followed by naturalisation as ecosystems reestablish themselves. The services provided by these natural ecosystems can include enhanced ground stability, protection against erosion, carbon storage and many more. However, the nature of these disturbed soils can hinder naturalisation and development of functioning ecosystems, for example due to dynamic processes such as soil erosion and properties such as…
pollution. Combining expertise at Cardiff on engineered ground improvement and ecosystem function, this PhD will investigate the potential for engineered systems to limit detrimental effects of exposed soils and soil-like materials and encourage rapid ecosystem development, helping soils and sites impacted by human activity to recover.
Biomineralisation is a natural process harnessed by engineers for ground improvement and stabilisation. It strengthens soils and similar particulate materials, or immobilises pollution and dust, through stimulating microbiological processes to provide sites and soil structures less prone to damaging and dangerous failures. In doing so, it has the potential to make systems more amenable to rapid naturalisation if the conditions can be optimised. Through experimentation at both laboratory and field studies the PhD will explore the impact of biomineralisation on natural and enhanced establishment of vegetation and associated animals.
Research Environment:
This studentship will be based equally in Cardiff University’s School of Engineering and School of Biosciences. The Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC) is a world-leading centre in innovative geoenvironmental engineering. We research and develop novel technology and systems to manage large-scale challenges associated with soils and porous media, including ground improvement, pollution remediation, wastes, soil health, environmental threat, carbon capture and many more. As a member of the GRC you’ll be part of a highly interdisciplinary community of researchers with specialisms in experimental, field and computational work such as geotechnical engineering, geochemistry, computer modelling and others.
The project supervisors (Dr Mike Harbottle and Dr Fredric Windsor) have complementary expertise guaranteeing you experienced supervision and training in all aspects of the work. Dr Harbottle specialises in applications of biological systems in civil and geoenvironmental engineering and infrastructure, including pollution management, ground energy, materials science and resource recovery. Dr Windsor is an ecosystem ecologist with expertise in the response and recovery of ecosystems from disturbance.
You’ll have full access to laboratories, libraries and other necessary facilities in both the Schools of Engineering and Biosciences. In Engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering laboratories include the capability for physical, chemical and biological analysis of soil properties. In Biosciences, temperature-controlled rooms and plant growth facilities allow for experimental work, whilst wet and dry labs provide opportunities for biological and computational analysis.
Learning and Development Opportunities:
You’ll be supported to develop a broad range of skills, whether that’s project-specific abilities depending on your background, or transferrable skills in communicating your work, managing projects and other areas vital in professional work (in academia, in related industry or elsewhere). We fully appreciate that due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project applicants may not have extensive expertise in every one of the topics covered, and your supervisory team will be your source of support and training in those areas you’re not (yet) expert in. You’ll also have the full support of Cardiff’s Doctoral Academy giving comprehensive training and access to a supportive and interdisciplinary community of doctoral students across the University.
Academic Criteria
Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in civil or environmental engineering, environmental sciences, ecology or a related subject.
Desirable skills:
- Experience in scientific experimentation in relevant areas
- Experience in experimental design
- Multidisciplinary expertise in relevant areas
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Contact for further information
Please contact Dr Michael Harbottle on HarbottleM@cardiff.ac.uk to informally discuss this opportunity.
How to apply
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages including;
- an upload of your CV
- a personal statement/covering letter
- two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
- Current academic transcripts
Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with the proposed start date.
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided.
Please also add the project reference GRC-MH-2026A
Deadline for applications
There is no deadline to apply - We will close this opportunity once a suitable candidate is identified.
Funding Notes
There is no funding available for this project from the University, applicants will need to be able to cover the costs themselves or have a source of external funding.
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