Zhugen Yang

Cranfield University is recruiting two Post-Doctoral Research Fellows to join cutting-edge research in environmental sensors and wastewater sensing. The positions focus on developing next-generation biosensors and microfluidic technologies to address critical environmental and public health challenges, including wastewater surveillance, detection of pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance. Successful candidates will work in a highly collaborative research environment alongside leading academic and international partners at the Cranfield Campus in the UK. The research group, led by Professor Zhugen Yang, is recognized for its innovative work in environmental sensing and applied sensor technologies. The roles are ideal for candidates passionate about environmental monitoring, biosensors, and the application of sensor technologies to real-world public health issues. Applicants should hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field and demonstrate expertise in environmental sensing, wastewater monitoring, biosensors, or microfluidics. While specific funding details are not provided in the announcement, Cranfield University is known for its strong research support and collaborative opportunities. The closing date for applications is 3 February 2026. For more information and to apply, candidates should visit the provided application links for the Environmental Sensors and Sensing Wastewater positions. Keywords: environmental sensors, biosensors, microfluidics, wastewater surveillance, public health, antimicrobial resistance, pathogens, sensor technologies.

Fully funded PhD opportunity at Cranfield University in CRISPR-Cas-enabled smart sensors for real-time detection of contaminants in river water . This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of Biology , Environmental Science , Chemical Engineering , and Biomedical Engineering , with a strong focus on biosensors , engineering biology , microfluidics , water quality monitoring , and AI-enabled sensing . The project will develop a low-cost, field-deployable, paper-based CRISPR/Cas biosensor for multiplex detection of river water contaminants, including pesticides , PFAS , heavy metals , and potentially AMR-related targets. The research combines molecular biology, synthetic biology, digital sensing, and environmental engineering to create practical tools for real-world water monitoring. Validation will be carried out in collaboration with Anglian Water Services Ltd . This studentship is supported by the NERC Doctoral Focal Award in Engineering Biology for Environmental Applications (EngBio4Env) and includes an enhanced tax-free stipend of £31,805 per annum , full fees covered, and additional training support for 4 years . Applicants must be Home fee status students. Eligibility highlights: a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Water Engineering. Experience in wastewater treatment, environmental microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology is advantageous. Application deadline: 5 August 2026 . Start date: 28 September 2026 . Interested candidates should apply via the project page and review the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting.

Cranfield University is advertising a 24-month postdoctoral Research Fellow position in sensing wastewater for real-time public health monitoring. The role sits in the Advanced Sensors Laboratory for Water-Environment-Health and is led by Professor Zhugen Yang . The project is part of a 5-year Leverhulme Research Leadership Award and focuses on developing the next generation of biosensing technologies for wastewater, with emphasis on single-cell and single-molecule detection . Relevant research areas include biosensing , microfluidics , microbiology , environmental science , public health , and sensor development for wastewater surveillance and source tracking. The group’s work includes origami-paper microfluidic sensors and has received significant recognition. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a doctoral degree or be close to completion in biosensing, microfluidics, environmental science, microbiology, or a related field. Strong experimental skills, experience with advanced instruments, and troubleshooting ability are expected. Collaboration and mentoring in interdisciplinary teams are desirable. Funding and terms: the post is a fixed-term research position for 24 months, with a full-time starting salary normally in the range of £37,897 per annum . Application deadline: 11 August 2026 . Apply via the Cranfield University vacancies page using reference 5342 . For informal enquiries, contact zhugen.yang@cranfield.ac.uk .