MRes - ChromaSkin Tox: An Integrated Platform for Toxicological Assessments of Environmental Contaminants (Project ID SAS0212)

An MRes project is available for research on transdermally absorbed contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU). This multidisciplinary project is a collaboration between the Centre of Biomedicine and Global Health, the School of Applied Sciences (SAS) at ENU, the Department of Physical Chemistry, the Medical University of Gdansk (Poland) and the Department of Pharmacy, the University of Naples Federico II (Italy).

CECs that are absorbed transdermally present unique health challenges due to their ability to bypass traditional metabolic filters, such as the liver, and directly enter the bloodstream through the skin. These substances, including certain personal care product ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and UV filters, as well as industrial chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may have endocrine-disrupting properties or other health impacts. Their potential for bioaccumulation and long-term exposure risks has made them a focus of research. Understanding how these chemicals penetrate the skin and their systemic effects is essential for assessing safety and informing regulatory decisions.

Biomimetic chromatography, whether used in one or two separation dimensions, is valuable for profiling contaminants based on their ability to penetrate the dermal barrier. This is achieved by studying their affinities for key biological components of the skin, such as phospholipids and ceramides. In this project, comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) will be used to assess the toxicological potential of mixtures of CEC to which the human population is exposed. Validation of the 2D-LC data will be performed alongside viability testing on appropriate skin cell lines and through molecular modelling using advanced computer software to calculate theoretical physicochemical descriptors.

If successful, you will join a dynamic research group within SAS. The group has state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced chromatographic platforms based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with UV and mass spectrometry detection. This allows the simultaneous detection and characterisation of mixture of CECs for high throughput assessments.

You will also be a member of ENU Graduate College. Throughout your studies, you will receive support, training, and access to events hosted by our local SAS team and our Research, Innovation, and Enterprise events team. Tailored training will aid in the development of your research and transferable skills. You will become a part of a vibrant and growing community of postgraduate research students within the university, with access to workspace and social areas in our recently renovated researcher community suite.

When applying (MRes APPLIED SCIENCES full-time), please quote the application reference on your form.

Interviews will take place January/February 2025. Students must be able to commence their studies in March 2025.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Analytical Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry, with a good fundamental knowledge of analytical method development and quali/quantitative analysis.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental pharmaceutical quali-quantitative analysis

·        Competent in generation and analysis of laboratory data and statistics

·        Knowledge of main chromatographic (LC, GC, SFC) and detection (DAD,MS) techniques

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

Hand-on experience with chromatography equipment, familiarity with chromatography data software such as Agilent OpenLab CDS and Waters Empower 3. Understanding of the basic principles of mass spectrometry and multidimensional chromatography.

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE 'INSTITUTION WEBSITE' LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SAS0212 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)