PhD Studentship - Occupational exposure of non-exhaust emissions

Applications are invited for a four year EPSRC IDLA studentship based in the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, and with partners at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the company Emissions Analytics. This studentship will commence 1st October 2026 (MT26).

As prevalence of electric vehicles increases in the transition to net zero, particulate emission from exhausts have declined significantly. Brake, tyre, and road wear particles have emerged as the dominant source of particulate pollutants from road transport. These non-exhaust emissions pose a growing occupational health risk. This project aims to characterise occupational exposure of the estimated one million affected UK workers (maintenance workers, bus/lorry drivers, delivery staff etc.) via roadside testing and assess associated health risks by undertaking cell exposure campaigns. By performing source apportionment analysis, with the help of machine learning, the data will pinpoint sources of the emissions and subsequently inform mitigation strategies, revolutionising the understanding of the harm of these pollutants. The research aligns with EPSRC's energy and decarbonisation theme and supports the Engineering Net Zero strategic priority by addressing an overlooked consequence of the electric vehicle transition.

This project requires the student to develop novel, rigorous measurement techniques for a poorly-characterised pollutant source. It demands interdisciplinary thinking across metrology, environmental science, air quality and occupational health which will be reflected through cross-department collaboration. The student will gain expertise in experimental design, novel data analysis, and policy-relevant research, contributing original insights to a high-impact, emerging field.

This project will deliver new measurement methods for occupational exposure to non-exhaust emissions, including validated sampling protocols, uncertainty models, and exposure datasets. These outputs will inform future standards and UK policy on air quality and worker health. The research is high-risk due to the lack of existing frameworks but positions NPL at the forefront of emerging air quality challenges. It meets HRHR criteria by tackling a novel, underexplored area with significant sampling challenges. As EVs shift pollutant profiles, new risks emerge. This work could pioneer measurement approaches, inform regulation, and transform occupational health policy, improving worker protection in a decarbonised transport future.

The studentship will include at least a 3-month placement with NPL (Teddington, London) and benefits from membership of NPL's post-graduate institute (PGI), accessing training, expertise on metrology and participation in cohort activities and networking events.

Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry or toxicology. Applications are invited from candidates who possess (or expect to gain) an upper second-class honours MSci or higher degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical or mechanical engineering or related areas.

Funding is available for UK citizens. The studentship is for up to 4 years and will provide full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,500.

All applications will need to be made through the University Application portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/bltopdtox

Interviews to be held Wednesday 27th May.

Further information about the Toxicology Unit can be found on our website: https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Marion MacFarlane (mm2312@cam.ac.uk)

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location

MRC Toxicology Unit

Salary

£22,500 annual tax-free stipend

Reference

PU49307

Category

Studentships

Date published

31 March 2026

Closing date

11 May 2026