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 Policy@Manchester 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.
Application Deadline
30 June 2026