PhD Studentship in Advancing Real-Time Bioaerosol Collection and Detection: Optimisation and Field Validation of the Compact Personal Aerosol Sampler
Overview
- Qualification type: PhD
- Subject area: Bioaerosol Detection Technology; Physics
- Location/Campus: Hatfield, College Lane Campus
- Start date: 1 September 2026
- Closing application date: 8 May 2026
- Duration: full-time - three years.
Project outline
The Compact Personal Aerosol Sampler (CPAS) is a lightweight, battery-powered, and user friendly personal air sampler developed at the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Unlike conventional samplers that require bulky external pumps and tubing, the CPAS integrates all components (blower, HEPA filter, rechargeable battery, and digital flow controller) into a 78g wearable unit. It provides a low-cost and user-friendly alternative to traditional occupational exposure samplers, while maintaining comparable performance
This PhD project will build on these developments to evaluate the CPAS in a broader range of environmental contexts. The focus will be on extracting, detecting and characterising specific particle types (including bioaerosols such as pollens, fungal spores, and bacteria, as well as respirable industrial hazards) while improving the instrument’s reliability, selectivity, and suitability for field deployment.
The student will:
- optimise sampling and extraction protocols for different particle types and filter media;
- validate collection efficiency and sample integrity using established aerosol reference instruments;
- investigate in-situ classification and quantification methods for collected aerosols, potentially employing optical or spectroscopic techniques;
- contribute to collaborative field evaluations with partners within the Future Biodetection Technologies Hub.
The project sits at the interface of aerosol physics, bioaerosol science, and instrumentation engineering, with a strong emphasis on practical experimentation
Supervisors
- principal supervisor: Dr Warren Stanley
- supervisory team: Prof. Chris Stopford
Entry requirements
Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a first-class or upper-second-class degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, or environmental science. Experience in aerosol science, optics, analytical chemistry, or data analysis would be advantageous but not essential. Curiosity, initiative, and practical problem-solving ability are key.
Eligibility
Open to both UK and International applicants, including EU applicants.
How to apply
Please download and complete an application form and send to Doctoral College Admissions and include the following:
- two academic references - to be sent direct from the referee to the Doctoral College;
- copies of your degree certificates and transcripts;
- certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not; their first language;
- a CV;
- a cover letter.
Interviews will take place: online (MS Teams) or in-person (College Lane Campus)
For informal enquires please email: Dr Warren Stanley
Funding information
Funded by the Research England sponsored Biodetection Technologies Hub.
Full tuition fee waiver for three years and a stipend each year at UK Research Council rates, which for 2025-2026 will be £20,780.
Applicants who need a student visa will be required to pay for this themselves along with the Immigration Health Surcharge. For more information, please visit our website: