Applications are sought for a PhD studentship in improved analysis methods for brominated
fire retardants in the natural environment.
Brominated fire retardants (BFRs) are a broad class
of chemicals that are used in plastics, protective coatings, fabrics, furniture
foam and other materials to delay ignition and slow fire growth to improve the
fire safety of materials. Very little is known about BFRs at low exposure
concentrations, but widespread detection around the world underscores the need
to learn more about their toxicity effects, potential carcinogenicity and ease
of mobility in the environment. The aims of this interdisciplinary PhD
studentship are to develop analytical methods for improved detection of BFRs in
the environment and utilise advanced chemometric methods for evaluating the
data collected from these complex samples.
The detection of fire retarding compounds is
challenged by many factors. A study evaluating prescribed analysis methods for
highly purified standards showed that many BFRs have overlapping retention
times in standard analytical methods, which means that they are not separated
adequately when present in a mixture. This potential may increase as the
complexity of samples increases. In at least two cases, environmental samples thought
to contain PBDE-derived compounds were demonstrated to contain materials of
natural origin only. Despite these demonstrated inadequacies, standard methods
continue to be prescribed and BFR detections continue to be reported around the
world. Advances in two-dimensional gas chromatography, isotope ratio mass
spectrometry and position specific isotope analysis make development of new
analytical methods possible.
The successful candidate will join an
interdisciplinary research team spanning the Departments of Civil &
Environmental Engineering (Faculty of Engineering) and Pure & Applied
Chemistry (Faculty of Science). We are most interested a researcher with 1st
class or upper 2nd class Honours degree in engineering, chemistry, physics,
applied mathematicians or other discipline. A strong computational background
is preferred.
There is one studentship associated with this
advertisement and this student will be based at the University of Strathclyde.
The studentship is open to individuals within the EU/EEA only and provides a
stipend of approximately £13,800 per year. For further information or to apply
for this studentship, please contact Dr. Christine Switzer at
christine.switzer@strath.ac.uk.
