Number available: 1

Fees: £17, 500 or £4,100

Maintenance: £14,000

Faculty of Engineering is seeking a high calibre application for an industrial sponsored PhD studentship over 3.5 years. This is open to both international and UK/EU applications for a September 2015 start.

Aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein) have long been recognised as hazardous substances to human health. Exposure to aldehydes could cause irritations to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. The long term exposure to them is considered to have possible carcinogenic effects. The EU environmental law requires these aldehydes to be monitored in confined spaces. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set the exposure limits for these aldehydes. There are established methods for the monitoring and analysis of these aldehydes such as DNPH-HPLC for formaldehyde. However, the current methods have limitations for use in the diesel engine environment such as London Underground maintenance sites as the exhaust pollutants such as organic acids and other VOCs from diesel engines significantly interfere with the measurement. The difficulty in sampling and analysis of highly reactive carbonyls has been known for some time as they form adducts with many biological substances and are readily soluble in water. Thus 4-Rail Services Ltd, who provides ventilation systems to London underground, has sponsored a PhD studentship with an aim to investigate and develop the methodologies for reliable, compact sampling technique and measurement of aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein) in confined spaces, particularly at London underground maintenance sites. The specific objectives include investigating the limitation of the current measurement method, and developing of alternative/new methods for the on-site sampling and analysis.

This is an experimental based project. You should have strong interest in experimental work and analytical chemistry. The research involves working within an analytical laboratory, an engine testing laboratory and f performing field work to take on-site measurements.You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for the enrolment for the PhD degree at the University of Leeds. Ideally, you will have a good background in analytical chemistry with experience of using GC, GC-MS and HPLC.. Experiences in industrial on-site monitoring of pollutants from combustion sources or working in analytical chemistry would be advantageous. Good team working and communication skills are essential as you will work closely with the sponsor and London underground maintenance teams.      

Formal applications for research degree study should be made on-line through the linkwww.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html.  Please state clearly on the funding section of the application form that you wish to be considered for the [name of scholarship]. In the research information section please state the name [academic who is supervising the project].

School Web Address: www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/chemical

Minimum Academic Requirements (if English is not your first language, then candidates must also meet the University’s English language requirements):

• English for non-native speakers
• For applicants with BSc degree, 1st in Chemistry, Environmental science, or a related field.
• For applicants with MSc degree, at least BSc 2.1 and MSc in Chemistry, Environmental science, or a related field.
• For applicants with industrial experience, at least BSc 2.1 and preferably MSc in Chemistry, Environmental science, or a related field.