About the Project
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in: Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Pharmaceutical or Forensic Sciences, Chemical Biology, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.
Strong candidates will have experience with one or more of environmental monitoring, data analysis, or programming and a willingness to pick up additional skills.
Join our multidisciplinary team at the forefront of Chemical and Water-Based Epidemiology research and help develop innovative approaches to understand how air pollution affects human health. This exciting PhD project combines advanced analytical chemistry, environmental science, water-based epidemiology, and environmental data integration to generate actionable evidence for protecting public health.
Air pollution remains one of the most significant environmental threats to human health worldwide. However, understanding how exposure translates into real-world health outcomes remains a major scientific challenge.
This PhD will explore how water-based epidemiology (WBE) and environmental monitoring data can be integrated to provide new insights into population exposure, disease burden, and health risks associated with air pollution. You will use advanced analytical techniques to identify and quantify chemical markers, develop data integration approaches, and contribute to evidence that can inform public health interventions and environmental policy.
Supervisory Team: Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern, Eleonora Fichera, Julie Barnett.
Project team: University of Bath: Theresa Smith; B&NES: Anna Brett, Nicola Courthold. Wessex Water: Ruth Barden.
A Unique Collaborative Opportunity
This project is a collaboration between the University of Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) and Wessex Water, providing a unique opportunity to conduct research with direct real-world impact. Working closely with academic experts, environmental scientists, and local government partners, you will help generate knowledge that can support local and regional strategies to improve air quality, protect public health, and build healthier communities.
What You Will Do
- Develop and apply cutting-edge LC-MS/MS and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) methods.
- Analyse environmental and water samples for biomarkers of exposure and health.
- Integrate large environmental, health, and geospatial datasets.
- Apply innovative data analytics and statistical approaches.
- Collaborate with experts in chemistry, epidemiology, environmental science, and public health.
- Publish in leading scientific journals and present your work at international conferences.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Prof Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern (bkh20@bath.ac.uk).
Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemistry prior to the closing date of this advert. Doctoral applicants for the 2026/27 academic year should enter their preferred start date on this application form.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 p/a in 2026/7) and access to a training support budget.
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