PhD Studentship in Next-Generation Instrumentation for Particle Oxidative Potential
Develop and apply cutting-edge instrumentation to quantify the chemical drivers of air pollution and oxidative stress.
Best for:Best for graduates in chemistry, environmental science, or chemical engineering with an enthusiasm for hands-on instrumentation and atmospheric measurements.
Overview
The University of Manchester invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, starting in January 2027. The project focuses on advancing a newly pioneered continuous instrument for measuring particulate matter oxidative potential (OP), a key metric for evaluating air pollution health hazards. The successful candidate will design and optimize instrument iterations, conduct controlled experiments at the Manchester Aerosol Chamber, and deploy the system in real-world urban field campaigns. This research combines analytical instrument development, laboratory chamber studies, and field atmospheric measurements to identify the specific chemical components driving health risks. Applicants will receive a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate along with fully covered tuition fees for eligible Home rate students.
What you'll do
- Lead the design, optimization, and characterization of an improved real-time oxidative potential measurement instrument.
- Conduct laboratory performance testing incorporating microfluidics and chemical reagent optimization.
- Deploy and operate the instrument at the Manchester Aerosol Chamber to study photochemical ageing and emission sources.
- Execute field campaigns at urban air quality monitoring sites to gather high time-resolution particulate datasets.
- Analyze complex chemical datasets to determine links between particulate matter composition and health hazards.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree with at least a 2.1 honours or a Master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, atmospheric or environmental science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard institutional proficiency
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, or a related field
- Genuine enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory and field measurements
- Ability to design and optimize analytical instrumentation
- Capacity to execute and analyze controlled atmospheric chamber experiments
- Eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK Home rate
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-20 · open until filled
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Steven Campbell informally via email with their academic background and motivation before formally applying through the university portal. Submit your application online including all required academic documents and personal statements before the advert is closed.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation statement
- Reference letters
Contact
Steven Campbell· Supervisor
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