PhD Studentship - PFAS Ultrashorts: Establishing the Environmental Risks of Ultrashort “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS are an infamous group of environmental pollutants causing widespread concern. Ultrashort PFAS are an emerging group of PFAS that are starting to be detected within our environment. Current detection methods are in their infancy, as there is uncertainty around the best ways to sample and measure these chemicals accurately in the environment.

As part of this research, you will use advanced analytical techniques (including UPLC-ESI-HRQToFMS and GC-APCI-qqqMS) to develop and optimise methods for a diverse range of ultrashort PFAS. Once developed, you will apply these tools to measuring PFAS in environmental samples obtained in the UK and North America. You will also use these tools to work in collaboration with a leading environmental consultancy firm (CDM Smith) to investigate the effectiveness of novel remediation technologies designed to capture these pollutants.

You will join an established team of doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers who are actively measuring PFAS in our environment.

Project aims and objectives

Aim: Develop methods for the analysis of ultrashort PFAS and use them to establish the risks from these emerging pollutants and the effectiveness of current remediation technologies.

Objectives:

• Perform a systematic literature review on methods for ultrashort PFAS detection
• Develop methods for the analysis of ultrashort PFAS using advanced mass spectrometry
• Measure levels of ultrashort PFAS in the UK and North America
• Test the effectiveness of current remediation technologies

Funding

Both Home and International students can apply. Home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the three-year award, which is £5,238 for the year 2026/27. Eligible international students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding (Band 3 for the year 2026/27).

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

Candidates must have a strong motivation for environmental research and excellent analytical chemistry skills.

Essential criteria

• A minimum of 2:1 in an environmental science or chemistry degree
• Excellent chemistry laboratory skills with an eye for precision and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• A solid knowledge of environmental fate and transport of pollution
• Ability and willingness to travel to North America (including the USA)

How to apply

Dr David Megson (d.megson@mmu.ac.uk) will lead the project as your Principal Supervisor. You are encouraged to apply for this opportunity directly by following the steps outlined below, without an informal discussion. If you have any queries in relation to this project, please get in touch with the proposed Principal Supervisor.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in Physical Sciences (via the ‘Apply’ button above).

Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Expected start date: October 2026

Please quote the reference: SciEng-DM-October 2026-27-PFAS Ultrashorts

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