Assessing hazard and exposure from microplastics by oral exposure

Microplastics have gained public attention since their environmental impact was highlighted by media outlets including Blue Planet (BBC) and have been subject to a House of Commons inquiry with evidence given by this project’s academic supervisor. There are two primary routes of exposure, inhalational and oral. This project will look into the risk associated with the oral route of exposure. The overall project will have six component parts one of which is a review, then four laboratory sections utilising analytical chemistry and toxicology to look at the action of the alimentary canal fluid on microplastics, absorption and toxicity. The final section is the writing of the thesis and papers.

Supervision will be undertaken by Prof Tim Gant at PHE and Dr Stephanie Wright at Imperial College. The student will be registered at Imperial College. Most of the research work will be carried out at CRCE and the student will be expected to attend translational courses at Imperial College, for which travel support will be provided. The stipend will start at £17,285 per annum.

PHE has a long-standing commitment towards PhD level training and currently has over 70 PhD students undertaking their research. These students are mainly located within the three main sites of PHE 1) CRCE, 2) Porton Down and 3) Colindale. Postgraduate training in PHE is overseen by the postgraduate training subcommittee chaired by Prof T. Gant which reports to the research office of PHE. PHE students are expected to contribute to the annual PHE Science Conference and annual meeting of all PHE PhD students. PHE provides a unique opportunity for PhD level training, via a research environment within an organisation that provides service to government and which offers a rare opportunity to engage in research and experience how that research is translated to support and improve public health.

Candidates will be expected to have a BSc 1 or 2:1 in toxicology or related biological discipline. An MSc or Mres is desirable.
To apply, please submit a covering letter explaining your interest in the project and a curriculum vitae to Natalie Blowfield ([Email Address Removed])