Occurrence, fate and sources of antibiotics in the river system, Indonesian case study

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Funding details: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/International (including EU at international rates from Sept 21)

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 27 May 2023

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2023

For further details contact: Dr Anna Bogush or Dr Ir. Dwina Roosmini

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Introduction

This PhD project is part of the ITB-CU dual award programme. Dr. Ir. Dwina Roosmini, a Head of Center for Environmental Studies from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) (Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indonesia), will be a collaborative partner and a Director of Studies from IBT for this project.

The successful applicant will start in September 2023; then will spend the first year at ITB, the following year at Coventry Universitry, and then the final 1.5 years at ITB. The supervisory team are drawn from the two universities.

Project details

Pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, pollute fresh water systems across the world and requires urgent attention. Inexpensive antibiotics become widely used for medication in humans and animals (e.g. farming industry - stockbreeding and broiler farms) to inhibit the growth of bacteria and eliminate pathogens.

Moreover, the inappropriate and extensive use/consumption of antibiotics in the communities and farming industry could lead to an environmental burden. For instance, analysis of the Indonesian farmer behaviour toward antibiotics showed that 72% of farmers practice poor use due to economic factors, access to veterinarians, confidence, and access to antibiotics. The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) raised a concern that the environmental pollution by antibiotics can lead to develop antimicrobial resistance and it can become one of the biggest dangers to humanity.

The main goal of this project is to investigate occurrence, fate and sources of antibiotics in the river system, Indonesian case study. This is an interdisciplinary research project and it will combine a mix of the field work, experimental laboratory investigation, social science research and developing recommendation for intervention.  

Funding 

Tuition fees and bursary. 

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. 

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate specification

• A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
  PLUS 
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years
• An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.

In addition:

• MSc/BSc in Environmental science/engineering and chemistry
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
• Experience in laboratory work and instrumental analysis
• Some knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Effective time management and organisation skills.