External and Internal Exposure Characteristics of Atmospheric Emerging Pollutants in Multiple Media and the Health Effects
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) - School of Science
Applications accepted all year round. Self-Funded PhD Students Only.
About the Project
To cultivate research talents with global leadership, interdisciplinary innovation capabilities, and international research collaboration capabilities, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) fully leverages its characteristics of international education and builds upon the long-established strategic cooperation among XJTLU, Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU), and the University of Liverpool (UoL). This initiative integrates top-tier research resources to launch a Joint Doctoral Supervision…
Programme across the three institutions.
This project will focus on typical atmospheric emerging contaminants (ECs), including microplastics, phthalates (PAEs), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and antibiotics. We will systematically investigate the associations among inhalation exposure, internal exposure, and related health effects of ECs. Gaseous and PM2.5 samples will be collected simultaneously across four seasons from three typical functional zones (commercial, industrial, and agricultural areas), to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution and inhalation exposure levels of ECs. Concurrently, long-term residents or occupationally exposed population will be recruited from these typical functional zones to collect biological samples (blood, urine) for analyzing the internal exposure levels of ECs and related biomarkers. The associations between external and internal exposure to ECs will be evaluated using correlation and multivariate regression analyses. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) will be applied to characterize the dose - response relationships between pollutant exposure and health indicators. These findings aim to fill the gap regarding the link between exposure to atmospheric ECs and health effects, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of ECs.
Joint Supervisory Team
- Principal Supervisor: Dr. Peng Zhao
- XJTLU Co-supervisor: Dr. Lei Han
- XJTU supervisor: Prof. Hongmei Xu
- UoL supervisor: Dr. Yuan Shi
Requirements
A UK first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree and a UK Master's degree with Merit (or their equivalent) are required for PhD admissions. Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered on an individual basis.
Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English.
For more information about entry requirements and admission procedures of PhD programme at XJTLU, please visit:
- Entry Requirement - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- How to Apply - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Other Requirements
- Applicants are generally expected to have a background in environmental science and engineering, analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, toxicology, or related disciplines.
- Proficiency in operating instruments such as GC-MS and LC-MS/MS is highly desirable.
- Candidates should be skilled in data analysis using R, Python, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with the collection and analysis procedures for biological samples (e.g., blood, urine) is also required.
- Additionally, candidates should possess abilities in experimental design, and English scientific writing.
Programme Structure and Fees
Doctoral students in the joint programme are registered with both XJTLU and the UoL. Upon successful completion of the programme, the students will be awarded a PhD degree from University of Liverpool. During their doctoral studies at XJTLU, students are expected to conduct research at XJTU as visiting students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to apply for a short-term research visit to the UoL if the project requires it.
The joint doctoral programme is offered on a full-time basis, with a typical duration of three to four years. The tuition fee is RMB 99,000 per year.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email peng.zhao@xjtlu.edu.cn and xuhongmei@xjtu.edu.cn the following documents for initial review and assessment (Please include the project title in the subject line):
- CV
- Two formal reference letters
- Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
- Certificates of English language qualifications (IELTS or equivalent)
- Full academic transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
- Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
- PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available
Where will I study?
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) is an international joint-venture university founded by Xi'an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK, which captures the essence of both parent universities, offering students the opportunity to obtain globally recognised UK degree and a unique life experience within China.
Project supervisors
Dr. Peng Zhao
Career overview
Dr. Peng Zhao is an assistant professor in Atmospheric Science in the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. They are a member of the Honorary XJTLU Association at Liverpool University and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Dr. Zhao previously worked as an assistant research scientist at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences in China, and held post-doctoral positions at the Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck in Austria, and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany. Their research focuses on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions, the cycles and transformations of atmospheric pollutants, particularly carbon compounds, and bioaerosols in the atmosphere. Dr. Zhao is also interested in environmental data science, and as an R language user, they have published three books on R and data visualisation, as well as developed several R packages. In addition to research, Dr. Zhao teaches undergraduate, master's, and PhD students in atmospheric science, data science, and statistics, and serves as a Young Editorial Board Member for the journal Data Science and Management. They are also a member of the Capital of Statistics.
Research interests
Dr. Zhao's research focuses on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions, the cycles and transformations of atmospheric pollutants, particularly carbon compounds, and bioaerosols in the atmosphere. They are also interested in environmental data science and are an R language user, having published three books on R and data visualisation, as well as developing several R packages.
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