PhD Studentship – Implementation of Innovative Telemetric Technology Towards Carbon‑Neutral and Safe Grain Storage in the UK
Cranfield University – School of Water, Energy and Environment
Cranfield, United Kingdom
General Description – include all relevant details from the source
Cranfield University, supported by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) and in collaboration with industrial partner Crover Ltd, is offering a fully funded PhD studentship addressing critical challenges in sustainable grain storage. This interdisciplinary research project sits at the nexus of applied mycology, precision agriculture, heat and mass transfer, predictive modelling, and Net Zero energy systems. The aim is to develop innovative telemetric and robotic sensing technologies coupled with advanced predictive models to achieve carbon‑efficient and safe grain storage practices across the UK agri‑food supply chain.
Postharvest grain storage represents a significant energy demand due to drying and ventilation processes, and ineffective monitoring and control can lead to elevated risk of mycotoxin contamination (notably Ochratoxin A). This studentship will deliver an integrated engineering and biological modelling framework that combines thermal dynamics, moisture migration modelling, stochastic prediction of fungal growth, and optimisation of in‑situ telemetric sensing systems. The project will generate strategies for proportionate ventilation, cooling, and drying decisions to reduce unnecessary energy use, while maintaining food safety and meeting environmental sustainability goals.
The research environment is collaborative and cross‑disciplinary, involving expertise in computational simulation, thermal systems, robotic telemetric sensing, and food safety science. The student will be based at Cranfield University, engaging with faculty researchers and working closely with Crover Ltd’s team on industrial placements, gaining practical experience in applied robotics, sensor optimisation, and real‑world grain storage systems. Transferable research skills will be developed in thermal systems analysis, computational modelling, data analytics, and experimental validation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first class or upper second class UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related quantitative, engineering, or science discipline. Relevant areas include mechanical, chemical, environmental, or agricultural engineering; bioengineering; energy systems; physics; applied mathematics; data science; computer science; food science; microbiology; or related fields. The project is suitable for candidates with interests spanning thermal processes, heat and mass transfer, modelling and simulation, sensor technologies, and sustainable system design.
Required expertise/skills
Strong academic background in engineering, science, data analysis, or modelling disciplines
Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary research combining technology and sustainability
Experience or interest in programming (Python, R, MATLAB, or equivalent) and data analytics is beneficial
Ability to engage with experimental research and computational simulation
Good written and verbal communication skills appropriate for technical and academic environments
Capacity to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
Salary details
This fully funded studentship provides a £23,000 annual tax‑free stipend plus Home tuition fee coverage for three years. Funding is provided by EPSRC‑DLA, Cranfield University, and Crover Ltd, with Crover Ltd contributing additional financial support and industrial co‑supervision.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 10 June 2026.