Collaboration and Coordination in Global Sanitation Technology Development - MSc by Research or PhD

A critical challenge in technology development is bridging the gap between prototype development and real-world impact - often referred to as crossing the 鈥渧alley of death鈥� where promising lab-based innovations fail to reach practical implementations. With increasing emphasis on translating academic research into real-world solutions for global challenges, understanding how teams can effectively navigate this transition through international collaboration has become critically important.

The research project will investigate how teams establish effective collaboration and coordination processes, manage technical development across specialisms, and coordinate stakeholder relationships while optimising internal team dynamics and external partnerships. Critical to this work is understanding how to effectively coordinate technical understanding, synchronise technology development progress, and establish communication processes across diverse partners while maintaining project momentum. The candidate will examine collaboration frameworks, coordination mechanisms, and communication processes that enable effective technology transition and successful coordination between partners in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

The study will offer new perspectives on team coordination approaches, communication strategies for international partnerships, and collaboration mechanisms that enable successful technology transition. These research contributions will advance academic understanding of coordination processes in international technology development while providing practical insights for similar initiatives, enhancing knowledge of how transformative technology projects can be successfully coordinated across diverse international collaborations. The broader project aims to deliver breakthrough sanitation technologies that could transform access to safe sanitation globally.

This position offers exceptional opportunities for international engagement through coordination with global partners, with potential travel for field trials and technology validation activities. You will contribute to a high-impact global mission addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, gaining exposure to real-world technology application at the interface between laboratory innovation and field implementation. The project provides opportunities to participate in cutting-edge technology development processes and gaining direct experience with global project coordination. Working on technology with potential to impact billions of lives offers unique exposure to large-scale development challenges and solutions.

Graduates will develop a unique combination of technical understanding, strategic thinking, and project coordination skills highly valued across academia, industry, and international development sectors. You will gain experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder management, strategic planning, and technology development while building strong communication and analytical capabilities. This experience prepares graduates for leadership roles in technology development, international development organisations, research management, and academic careers focused on innovation and collaboration.