3 Year Funded PhD Project: Characterisation, optimisation and development of peracetic acid-based disinfectant formulations for infection control.

Project Description:
The Material and Engineering Research Institute and Bio-molecular Sciences Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) in collaboration alongside Sky Chemicals (UK) Limited is offering an exciting and challenging 3 year fully funded Ph.D. project in the design, preparation, characterisation and optimisation of peracetic acid-based disinfectant tablet formulations for infection control.

The new formulation (branded PeracideTM) used to make aqueous disinfectant solution (in situ) for floors, carpets, fabrics and many hard surfaces offers a dye indicator system to inform users when ready to use and when active ingredients are depleted. It offers many attractive advances over the current leading technology since it provides increased activity, higher efficacy, higher oxidation/reduction potential and removes the possible release of hazardous chlorine-based by-products into the environment. Peracetic acid formulations have huge potential, through a range of products, to be a major player in the aseptic and disinfectant market.

There is strong global interest in this novel product, which arises at a pertinent time when reducing the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare, residential and commercial/industrial places has become a major issue.

The PhD programme of study will investigate the reaction kinetics and dynamic equilibria of peracetic acid production and consumption (alongside other active and non-active components/by-products) within a variety of formulations so that they can be further optimised for application within a wider range of typical and specialised environments. The dye indicator chemistry will also play an important part of the investigation. The generation of new formulations, forms and novel chemistries will bring new challenges and so understanding and characterising their chemistry will be key to their development.

The successful candidate will gain an in-depth and up-to-date understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of peracetic acid based formulations (and other disinfectants in a broader context), together with practical experience and skills in their preparation and characterisation using a wide range of complimentary analytical techniques available at SHU. These skills will provide an excellent development step in the career of a new scientist.

The candidate will be based at the university and will also have the opportunity to spend time and interact closely with the industrial supervisors.

Weblinks: Materials and Engineering Research Institute www.shu.ac.uk/research/meri
Bio-molecular Sciences Research Centre www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialisms/biomolecular-sciences-research/centre

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have a first class or upper second class degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science, or a related discipline.

Candidate Attributes:
• High levels of innovative thought and lateral thinking
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software quickly
• Self-motivated, capable of working with minimal guidance and supervision, and within a team.
• Enthusiasm for the subject

Applicants should email their completed postgraduate application form
(www.shu.ac.uk/research/specialism/materials-and-engineering-research-institute/research-degrees) along with the following documentation to MERI-Student:shu.ac.uk by 12 noon on 22nd August.

2 x references
• Copy of degree certificate(s)
• Passport/ID card
• Evidence of English language ability if required

Within the application it is highly recommended to include:

a) why you are interested in doing PhD research on this topic
b) how your skills and experience to date (including your undergraduate and/or masters dissertation, if relevant) prepare you to embark on the project
c) any other relevant information to support your application

Selection process
Successful applicants will be required to attend an interview where they will be asked to talk about their research experience.

Interviews will be held on 20-21st September.


The deadline for applicants is the 22nd August at 12 noon. It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the 20-21st September.