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PhD Studentship: Integrated DNA Purifier for Airborne Environmental DNA Collection

Overview

  • Qualification type: PhD
  • Subject area: Integrated DNA purifier for airborne environmental DNA collection
  • Location/Campus: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
  • Start date: October 2024
  • Closing application date: 31 August 2024
  • Duration: 3.5 years, full-time

Project outline

The ability to interrogate airDNA offers the promise for developing an understanding of the environment’s biological signature and its evolution. For smart agriculture, airDNA can provide new insights in critical areas of interest by opening novel understanding of disease spread and transmission models; detecting emerging pathogens; or monitor new pathogen’s resistances.

The project aims to develop an in-situ method for capturing and purifying airDNA with potential applications in defence, security, health, and agriculture. Using a combination of newly developed advanced aerosol collection principle combining electrostatic precipitation and digital microfluidics will allow for collection and concentration of airborne DNA, offering high efficiency, low energy consumption, and versatility with airborne particle sizes.

Following lab-based assessment of the collection performance against target pathogens, the proposed project will aim in investigating novel solution toward developing an automated digital microfluidics-based airDNA sample purifier and integrating it with the collection system.

The successful project will provide new capability for in-field DNA extraction and analysis with broad impact in multiple sectors beyond agri-tech.

This studentship will be run in partnership with Rothamsted Research, a key player in sustainable and smart agriculture. It is expected that the project will be partly taking place at Rothamsted Research, located in Harpenden, providing access to cutting edge facilities and a depth of expertise in aerobiology characterisation.

Supervisors

  • Principal Supervisor name & email: Dr Loic Coudron
  • Supervisory Team name & email: Dr Nikolay Dimov
  • External supervisor Prof Jon West at Rothamsted Research.
  • External Industrial support from Rothamsted Research.

Entry requirements

Essential

  • A first or upper-second-class degree in Engineering, Microsystems, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a relevant physical or natural sciences-related subject.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and manage time independently to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
  • Highly self-motivated to pursue a full-time research programme.
  • Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Well organised and able to work independently.

Desirable (non-essential)

  • A Masters (MSc/MEng) degree or experience relevant to the research project.
  • Experience with experimental methods in science or engineering.
  • Experience with microfabrication technique and clean-room processes
  • Knowledge in genome sequencing
  • A desire to be part of a team exploring multidisciplinary questions in an emerging area of science and engineering.

Eligibility

The studentship is open to UK nationals and international candidates.

How to apply

Applicants should email the following documents:

  • A completed application form
  • Two academic references - to be send direct from the referee to the Doctoral College
  • Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts

For international applicants

  • English Language qualifications (if applicable). International students from countries where English is not the official first language should have a minimum IELTS score of at 6.5 or equivalent. This could be waived if you have already studied in the UK or in a mainly English speaking country such as the USA or Australia and hold a degree from one of those countriesCopies of qualification certificates and transcripts

Please send completed applications via email to the Doctoral College using the following format in the email subject line: “Integrated DNA purifier for airborne environmental DNA collection”.

  • Interviews will take place in early September.
  • For informal enquires please email Dr Loic Coudron

Funding information

The successful candidate will receive a tax-free annual stipend of £19,237 and a fee waiver.