PhD Studentship: The Impact of Physico-Chemical Transformations of Nanomaterials and their Role in Environmental Risk and Remediation

DoS: Professor Jamie Lead

Applications are invited for a 3.5 year PhD studentship.

The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.

Project Description

The remediation, recovery and reuse of pollutants such as oil and metals can be effectively performed using nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanoparticles once in complex environmental media (containing natural organic macromolecules, salts and other components) will undergo physical and chemical transformations, including dissolution, agglomeration and phase changes. Both optimal pollutant recovery and potential risk (hazard and exposure) of the nanoparticles is highly dependent on these changes and this project aims to investigate and quantify changes using both model particles and particles used in remediation. Transformations will be optimized for maximum pollutant removal, minimal hazard and for the control of exposure. Nanoparticles will be synthesized in-house, and a multi-method characterization approach will be taken to quantify nanoparticle changes and pollutant removal. This project ideally requires someone with a strong quantitative engineering or chemistry background and interest in developing environmental knowledge and expertise. Excellent technical skills (or ability to develop these) is essential. The successful applicant will be given full training, with highly supportive supervision and mentoring. This successful applicant on this project will work closely with another project looking at more applied aspects including routes to commercialization. 

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate, quantitative subject or a relevant, quantitative Masters qualification.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £18,655 per annum 2024/25 rate (2025/26 rates TBC). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants are normally required to cover International fees, and in this case will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates (approximately £13,244 per annum 2024/25 rate).

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The last 6 months is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact:

Professor Jamie Lead, Professor of Environmental Nanoscience, Jamie.lead@plymouth.ac.uk.

To apply for this position please click on the Apply button above.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.  Applications will not be considered if information is missing.

The closing date for applications on 31^st March 2025.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in early April. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. 

Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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