PhD Studentship - Developing a Portable Electrochemical Method for Point-of-source PFAS Monitoring through Show-jumping Paddocks

Project advert

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade chemicals that are ubiquitous within society. PFAS offer water/oil repellence and non-stick properties, featured in numerous consumer products ranging from 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 that is used 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 therefore 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 that are 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.

Project aims and objectives

The project aim is 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:

• Review PFAS affinities to materials, e.g. polymers, chemicals, cell membranes etc.
• Design a new analytical sensing strategy for PFAS based on affinities to materials (i.e. using stability constant data), to incorporate as a sensing element for electrochemical detection.
• Fabricate printed electrodes incorporating PFAS sensing elements.
• Optimise an electrochemical PFAS detection method using the fabricated electrodes, exploring the effects of interferent molecules such as humins.
• Map PFAS transport within client’s product life cycle using the new detection method, validating using advanced mass spectrometry techniques.

Funding

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. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

The qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience applicants should have for this project, in addition to our standard entry requirements .

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.

How to apply

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 in Chemistry (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 maps 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 .

Expected start date: October 2025.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-ER-2025-ESL