Application Deadline: 17 April 2025
Details
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: PFAS comprise a class of >7 million chemical compounds that are extremely resistant to chemical and thermal breakdown, making them pervasive in everyday products (e.g., oil- and water-repellent materials) and industry (e.g., surfactants and polymer manufacturing). PFAS have been detected globally in environments and biota, including surface water, groundwater and human serum. They are linked to cancer, birth defects, hormonal imbalances, obesity, fertility issues, and decreased vaccine response.
Problem 1 – Numerous Sources: Potential PFAS sources include effluent from manufacturers and industry, wastewater treatment works, leachates from landfills, agricultural runoff, airports and military bases. River basin drainage processes – such as surface runoff and groundwater flow – will mobilise PFAS from these sources and transport them through rivers to the oceans. However, spatial and temporal variability in these processes mean the source, timing and magnitude of PFAS input and transport through rivers is very difficult to establish.
Problem 2 – Limited Monitoring: The latest [2023] definition of PFAS recognises over 7 million compounds, but regulators typically only target up to 50 due to cost and analytical constraints. This means we are only monitoring the tip of the iceberg. Expanding monitoring to include a broader range of PFAS is critical as the UK government faces pressure to broaden its definition and regulation of PFAS.
The Solution: Recent developments at Liverpool John Moores University [LJMU] and Manchester Metropolitan University [MMU] offer solutions. By monitoring spatial and temporal patterns in PFAS transport through the River Mersey, Byrne et al. [2024] Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. established a methodology to isolate geographical PFAS sources. Separately, Megson et al. [2024] Chemosphere used high-resolution mass spectroscopy and non-targeted analysis [NTA] to detect thousands of previously unmonitored and unknown PFAS compounds. This PhD will integrate these approaches to help regulators and industry constrain PFAS sources and prioritise interventions.
AIM: The aim of this PhD is to translate academic advancements in PFAS source monitoring into practical applications for environmental regulators and industry. The objectives are: [O1] demonstrate how spatial PFAS loading profiles in rivers can isolate geographical sources and quantify PFAS input; [O2] develop statistical models to simulate temporal variability in PFAS sources and transport; [O3] apply NTA analysis of water samples from O1 and O2 to chemically fingerprint PFAS sources spatially and temporally; [O4] translate findings, methods, and tools into actionable resources for regulators and industry.
WHAT KIND OF PERSON ARE WE LOOKING FOR? We are looking for a highly motivated scientist capable of bridging the gap between analytical chemistry and environmental science to help tackle the truly global environmental problem of PFAS pollution.
Essential criteria:
· A University degree (2:1 or higher) in an environmental science (e.g., geography, environmental science) or chemistry (e.g., analytical) discipline
· Demonstrated skills in environmental science field work or analytical chemistry
· Strong numeric, statistical, and computational data analysis skills
· High proficiency in spoken English and excellent written and oral communication skills
· Demonstrated ability to conduct research, to work both in a team and independently, and to work to deadlines
Desirable criteria:
· MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g., hydrology, water quality, or analytical chemistry)
· Experience using LC-MS (or related techniques) and non-targeted analysis (NTA) for persistent chemicals research
· Experience conducting water quality and hydrological field studies
· Experience engaging with stakeholders (e.g., industry and environmental regulators)
· Experience in hydrological or water quality modelling
· Experience writing research findings to publication standard
SUPERVISORY TEAM: The project will be supervised by Professor Patrick Byrne, Dr Lauren Mullin and Dr Jonathan Dick at Liverpool John Moores University, and by Dr David Megson at Manchester Metropolitan University. The broader supervisory team includes scientists at the Environment Agency (Dr Alun James) and Geosyntec Consultants (Dr David Holmes).
The Faculty of Science and its three Schools: Biological & Environmental Sciences, Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, and Sports & Exercise Science, have dedicated Diversity and Inclusion (DI) Groups. The individual School Diversity & Inclusion Coordinators and the Faculty Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion lead collective action to promote and embed a culture of equality, diversity and inclusivity. All Schools are awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze in recognition of their respective equality initiatives and action plans. Also, Schools have proactive diversity and inclusion groups that are aimed to support staff and students by addressing the inclusivity requirements that are unique to each School, in alignment with the LJMU Diversity & Inclusion policies. Applicants are invited to visit the Faculty of Science https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/faculties/faculty-of-science and follow the link to each School.
Funding Notes
Only UK students can apply for this studentship. The applicant must be eligible for Home Fee Status. Funding will consist of full tuition fees for three years and the award of a living stipend at UK Research Council rates. Funding will be subject to satisfactory progress.
References
For an informal discussion about this opportunity please email Professor Patrick Byrne (p.a.byrne@ljmu.ac.uk) or Dr Lauren Mullin (d.g.mullin@ljmu.ac.uk) for more information.
Applicants should email: (1) a CV; (2) a statement (maximum 2-page) addressing the essential and desirable criteria; and (3) contact details of two referees to Professor Patrick Byrne (p.a.byrne@ljmu.ac.uk).
Applicants must be available for interview in the week beginning 5th May 2025. In-person interviews are preferred although remote interviews can be accommodated. Applicants must be able to start the PhD study in June 2025. Start dates beyond this time cannot be considered.
We are committed to making scientific research more inclusive and are keen to support applicants from groups that have long been underrepresented and/or marginalised from the field. If you belong to such groups, we would like to offer dedicated pre-application advice and mentorship, so that you can prepare the strongest possible application.
Please contact Professor Patrick Byrne by Thursday 27th March for this opportunity.
