Reference: MA01321
Closing date: 12 July 2013
Atmospheric aerosol particles are among the most important health relevant air pollution components. Clear correlations between exposure to increased levels of aerosols and severe health effects have been observed. Particle components and properties causing these health effects are not well understood but oxidising particle components are likely to play an important role, inducing oxidative stress in the lung and ultimately inflammation and disease.
A 4-year PhD studentship is available from October 2013 in a collaborative project between the University of Cambridge (Dr Markus Kalberer, Department of Chemistry) and King’s College London (Prof. Frank Kelly and Dr Ian Mudway, School of Biomedical Science) to develop a novel online instrument recently built in our group to quantify oxidizing particle components. The new instrument will be compared with biological acellular methods to determine oxidative particle toxicity. Oxidizing properties of various aerosol particle types such as secondary organic particles formed in the atmosphere and from primary sources such as fossil fuel combustion will be investigated. In addition, the new instrument will be tested in field experiments to quantify the oxidative properties of atmospheric particles.
Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain, at least the equivalent of a II.1 UK honours degree (and preferably a Masters) in physical chemistry or other relevant discipline. Knowledge of physical chemical techniques and/or aerosol techniques are desirable. The cross-disciplinary nature of the project makes good communication skills essential (both written and oral).
The studentship will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for EU nationals who satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UK Research Councils. Due to funding restrictions, the studentship is not available to non-EU nationals.
Applications should include a CV and contact details for two professional referees, and should be sent to Dr Markus Kalberer, Department of Chemistry, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW (email: markus.kalberer@atm.ch.cam.ac.uk).