Microfluidic platforms for airborne pathogen analysis in a clinical setting

The monitoring of bioaerosols, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen, is of great importance for human health and our environment, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection risks can be reduced through aerobiome monitoring or through intelligent design of indoor air flows and ventilation, particularly in high-risk environments such as hospitals and transport hubs. There is a need for rapid detection of bioaerosols, both to identify hazards early and to evaluate mitigation strategies. However, traditional laboratory workflows are slow, laborious, and require skilled personnel. While real-time monitors are emerging, they remain expensive and are still being evaluated for many bioaerosol types, limiting their widespread deployment. Miniaturised, low-cost sensors that integrate sampling and analysis offer opportunities for reducing workflow while enabling scalable networks.

<p>This project will focus on the development of novel miniaturised platforms for the sampling and detection of bioaerosols relevant to public health, with particular emphasis on clinical environments. This will include working with project partners at the University of Hertfordshire to test their miniaturised electrostatic precipitator (ESP) aerosol sampler for the collection of pathogenic bioaerosols. Testing will be conducted in the Chamber for Environmental Control of Airborne Microorganisms (CECAM) facility at the University of Leeds, a new state-of-the-art 80 m^3 bioaerosol chamber (approximately the size of a hospital room) that allows for controlled release, transport and analysis of bioaerosols. The project will also involve the development of microfluidic platforms for automated analysis of collected aerosol samples via on-chip bioassays. Microfluidic technologies enable the manipulation of small volumes of fluids to integrate and automate complex, multi-step biochemical processes, offering rapid, low-resource analysis. These platforms will be tested against a state-of-the-art fluorescence-based bioaerosol monitor, the Rapid-E, in the CECAM facility.</p> <p>The project comprises the following objectives:</p> <p>1) Assess ESP sampling performance for pathogens relevant to public health.</p> <p>2) Develop rapid microfluidic bioanalysis platforms.</p> <p>3) Integrate and validate these novel technologies against a state-of-the-art bioaerosol monitor (Rapid-E).</p> <p>4) Apply these tools to the assessment of indoor air flows and ventilation.</p> <p>5) Progress towards integrated sample-to-answer bioaerosol sensing suitable for networked deployment.</p> <p>The successful candidate would join a friendly and supportive research environment and gain interdisciplinary skills in microfabrication, aerosol science, bioanalysis, and instrument development. This project is ideal for candidates from the (bio)analytical science, chemistry, engineering, physics, biology, or related disciplines who are motivated to develop impactful technologies for real-world public health applications.</p> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p>[1] T. G. Foat, W. J. Sellors, M. D. Walker, P. A. Rachwal, J. W. Jones, D. D. Despeyroux, L. Coudron, I. Munro, D. K. McCluskey, C. K. L. Tan and M. C. Tracey, “A prototype personal aerosol sampler based on electrostatic precipitation and electrowetting-on-dielectric actuation of droplets”, Journal of Aerosol Science, 95, 43-53 (2016).</p> <p>[2] M. D. Tarn, K. J. Shaw, P. B. Foster, J. S. West, I. D. Johnston, D. K. McCluskey, S. A. Peyman and B. J. Murray, “Microfluidics for the biological analysis of atmospheric ice-nucleating particles: Perspectives and challenges”, Biomicrofluidics, 19 (1), 011502 (2025)</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHP Civil Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong><em>Microfluidic platforms for airborne pathogen analysis in a clinical setting</em></strong> as well as <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see/staff/1563/dr-mark-d-tarn">Dr Mark Tarn</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is Joint School of Civil Engineering/Earth & Environment Studentship 2026/27 (UKRI E3).</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 27 February 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 27 February 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>One full 3.5 years PhD scholarship is available working across the School of Civil Engineering and the School of Earth and Environment in 2026/27.  This scholarship is part of the UKRI Research England: Expanding Excellence in England (E3) grant.  This scholarship is open to UK applicants and covers UK-home rated tuition fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant matching UKRI rates (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided, alongside a research budget for equipment, consumables, travel (e.g. for conferences) and research visits.</p> <p>The award provides</p> <ul> <li>A maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26 for full-time study, part-time will be pro-rata at 50%). This amount increases per annum in line with the Research Council UK rate.</li> <li>Full-time awards provide full fees and maintenance for 3.5 years (part-time awards are pro-rata).</li> <li>A research training support grant.</li> </ul> <p>Other conditions:</p> <ul> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026</li> <li>Applicants who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying.  Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this studentship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Mark Tarn by email to <a href="mailto:M.D.Tarn@leeds.ac.uk">M.D.Tarn@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> </p> <p> </p>