PhD Study : Development of smart, safe indoor air quality systems

Summary

As highlighted by the COVID pandemic, the transmission of airborne disease can have long lasting effects on the health of individuals and the economy.  As such, engineering solutions to detect and prevent pathogen spread are gaining significant attention.  Work at Ulster has demonstrated the effectiveness of UV disinfection technology towards a range of airborne pathogens, including coronavirus [1].  However, public safety could be better managed if air treatment was coupled to smart sensors to, a) to give confidence to users that the space is safe, and b) to control the management and operation of air treatment devices. Coupling chemical air quality measurement with pathogen detection is key to the development of a smart environment, where the engineering challenge is to develop biosensors which respond quickly to low levels of airborne pathogens.  In addition, smart environments could help track the spread of a given disease within the community, ensuring early treatment options can be targeted effectively (a similar approach to disease surveillance is now being undertaken with wastewater).

The main focus of this project is to utilise a range of biosensing platforms, including optical sensing methods (e.g. localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), incorporating advanced biorecognition strategies developed in NIBEC [2, 3, 4].  When sensors are ready to test, access to a wide range of airborne pathogen sampling methods will be provided in collaboration with colleagues in Coleraine where novel sensor systems will be compared to gold standard methods. Finally, the project will couple the novel sensors with UVC air treatment systems to produce a complete solution ensuring the provision of smart, safe indoor spaces.

This multidisciplinary project will provide the candidate with comprehensive training in advanced engineering and sensor development and will be fully supported by researchers from Schools of Engineering and Biomedical Sciences.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living