PhD Studentship: Advancing Semiconductor Based Environmental Sensing Technologies for Bioaerosols

Overview

An aerosol is a suspension of particles or droplets in the air, including dusts, mists, smoke, etc. These particles retain their solid or liquid properties but behave like vapours. Bioaerosols are particles of biological origin, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, and toxins. Aerosol and bioaerosol particles can cause short- or long-term adverse health effects in workers, and may present safety hazards like fires or explosions.

Technology for real-time bioaerosol detection is underdeveloped, and monitoring systems are limited. The E3 - Future Biodetection Technologies Research Hub addresses gaps in bioaerosol understanding, focusing on their effects on health, climate, and ecosystems.

This PhD project will develop a portable BioPM sensor using electron-photon interaction in solid-state device platforms. Absorbed photons could transfer energy to electrons in the semiconductor, which would then be detected. The project will design and fabricate novel sensors to detect three bands (out of 16) in the 298–735nm range, as proof of concept.

Project Focus:

A smart and agile environmental sensor is the dream of every environmental researcher because it doesn’t exist. The aim is to establish a foundation to transform BioPM detection. Imagine a BioPM chip in every home and car, transforming our view on the environment, just like CO2 sensors in air-conditioning systems. The main focus of this research is delivering a successful proof of concept, with commercialisation considered after any positive project outcome.

Objectives detailed on Cranfield website link.

Unique Selling Points

You will be part of the dynamic Aerobiosense Research Group at Cranfield and the broader Future Biodetection Technologies Hub. Opportunities include collaboration, training, and placements with other Hub partner institutions (University of Hertfordshire) or external partner facilities. Resources will also support researchers' engagement at conferences, seminars, workshops, and the production of market analyses for new technology areas.

Expected Results:

The knowledge gained from this investigation will inform the design and development of future solid-state compact sensors for bioaerosols detection.

• The findings of this investigation will be a significant contribution to advancing technological capabilities to detect and characterise bioaerosols emission from various indoor-outdoor environments,
• This knowledge is critical to developing venue and scenario specific bioaerosols emission control strategies and enhancing environmental health management capabilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first-class UK honours degree in physics/chemistry or equivalent in a related discipline. They are expected to carry out experimental work related to electronic materials and devices and have a good understanding of simulation software for material and devices.

Candidates with academic background in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, biology, Environmental biology, MATLAB/Python or working experience in clean will be an asset but not essential.

Application date: 27^th November 2024

Start date: 27^th January 2025

Supervisors:

• 1st Supervisor - Dr Ata Khalid - Ata.Khalid@cranfield.ac.uk
• 2nd Supervisor - Professor Frederic Coulon - f.coulon@cranfield.ac.uk

Funding

Sponsored by UKRI Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £19,700 (tax free) plus fees* for three years. 

Institution web link: Advancing semiconductor based environmental sensing technologies for bioaerosols (cranfield.ac.uk)

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