Primary supervisor: Prof. Fernando Auat Cheein

Co supervisors: TBC

Expected Start date and location

February 2027, based at Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Shropshire, UK.

Project 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. The project will focus on the development and application of robotic systems with articulated arms for fruit handling, harvesting, and other farming operations. 

The successful candidate will investigate the integration of vision systems and AI techniques for perception, decision-making, and control, enabling robots to operate reliably in complex agricultural environments. The research will involve design, experimentation, and validation of robotic approaches tailored to real-world farming needs. 

Applicants

Applicants must hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline or a 2.2 alongside a relevant Master's degree with Merit, or potential for research based on alternative qualifications/experience judged acceptable by the university.

Funding

The studentship benefits from a yearly stipend, paid in monthly instalments. For 2026/7 this equates to £21,805.00 per year, with potential increases each academic year in line with UKRI. 

International applicants would need to be able to fund the difference between home and overseas fees (£16,960.00 for the 2026/7 academic year) with a proportion being paid in full before Visa documentation can be issued. Please note that due to time constraints for Visa applications, the start date must be February 2027.

Closing Date: 30 Sep 2026

Department: Research Degree Studentships

This PhD project addresses two critical water quality challenges through a single, innovative approach: the removal of persistent PFAS (“forever chemicals”) from treated wastewater effluent and the recovery of excess phosphorus. PFAS are not effectively removed by conventional treatment processes and pose a growing threat to aquatic environments, while increasingly stringent phosphorus discharge limits are placing pressure on wastewater management systems.

The project will investigate the use of engineered biochar as a dual-purpose adsorbent capable of capturing both PFAS and phosphorus. A key focus will be on optimising biochar modification techniques, evaluating pollutant removal performance, and developing regeneration strategies to enable repeated reuse. By integrating waste-derived materials into water treatment, the research aims to establish a circular, resource-efficient system that reduces environmental pollution, supports sustainable nutrient management, and lowers operational costs.

This work offers the opportunity to contribute to a scalable and impactful solution for improving water quality, with relevance to both environmental protection and agricultural sustainability.

Funding provided by OFWAT via their Water Breakthrough Challenge 6 Catalyst Stream.

A stipend of £21,805 will be paid for academic year 2026/27.  The stipend for academic years 2027/28 and 2028/29 will be set in-line with UKRI guidance.

The studentship provides funding equivalent to the Home tuition fee rate. If you are assessed as an international student for fee purposes, you will need to self-fund the monetary difference between the Home and International tuition fees.

To be eligible for this studentship, international applicants must demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds to cover this fee differential throughout their period of study. Evidence of funding must be uploaded as part of the application process and can include scholarship awards, sponsorship agreements, or proof of personal funds.

Please note that applications will not be progressed without evidence that the fee differential can be met.

NOTE:  This PhD Studentship application will close early once sufficient applications are received.

Closing Date: 16 Sep 2026

Department: Research Degree Studentships