Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Deadline: 16 May 2025
North West, All England
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that are ubiquitous in society. PFAS offer water/oil repellence and non-stick properties, and are featured in numerous consumer products, including kitchenware, paints, upholstery and performance textiles.
Companies receiving and processing textiles have new regulations imposed by the Environment Agency, reducing PFAS limits in product formulations. Recycled carpet is one such material in societal products that is affected, which threatens to undermine the ability to recycle carpet fibres and undermine recycling businesses and their operations.
There is a growing need for rapid analytical methods for the determination of PFAS, not least because UK testing capacity is limited, slow and expensive. Fundamental research is required before rapid testing can become a commercial reality. There is a need to develop accurate and robust portable testing methods capable of providing rapid analysis for PFAS in environmental samples. This PhD will attempt to fill this gap.
The project will work alongside the Circular Economy Chemistry research group at Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with an external client. The project will design an electrode formulation using screen-printed electrodes to design a rapid and portable solution to speed up PFAS analysis at point-of-release.
Project aims and objectives
The project aims to develop a proof-of-concept portable analytical method for the detection of targeted PFAS molecules, and to demonstrate the applicability of the technology within a known PFAS transport environment.
The objectives of the research are:
The qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience applicants should have for this project, in addition to our standard entry requirements.
The successful candidate will work within our brand new, state-of-the-art £117M Dalton Building, working within the Department of Natural Sciences, spanning the Circular Economy Chemistry Group, the Environmental Forensics Group, and the Electrochemistry Group. They will become part of our growing, active doctoral community. They will fit into the Environmental Change and Adaptation research strength.
The candidate is required to have a BSc as a minimum in a related discipline (e.g. chemistry, environmental science, engineering), and demonstrate how their study has incorporated analytical detection methods into individual or group project work.
The candidate should demonstrate the following essential criteria:
The candidate may demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
Knowledge of PFAS production and transport in the environment (e.g. through sand/fibres/waxes).
The student will be in receipt of a stipend payment; the Research Council minimum rate (set by UKRI) £20,780 for 2025/26.
Home and Overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.
Interested applicants should contact Dr Edward Randviir (E.Randviir@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.
To apply, you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD inChemistry (or download the PGR application form).
You should also complete the Narrative CV form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.
If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.
Closing date: 16 May 2025
Expected start date: October 2025.
Please quote the reference: SciEng-ER-2025-ESL
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. Please ensure that you take into account our Inclusive and Diverse Culture Strategy when preparing an application.
Home and overseas students can apply. Home fees are covered. Eligible overseas students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.
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