PhD in Understanding the Past, Securing the Future - Advanced techniques for the detection of chemical hazards in Archive Repositories through Heritage Science

The PhD holder will adapt and optimise the handheld CRIM-TRACK sniffer sensor, currently able to detect vapours of illicit substances, to a new detection scenario of historical pesticides within archives. The investigation will also be extended to other analytical techniques. Application of the novel device to TNA's large collection (and beyond) will inform variability in worldwide historic archival practices and inform current storage and access regimes.



By intertwining engineering, chemistry and history, the supervision will ensure a comprehensive interdisciplinary research experience for the PhD student. The project will also provide a novel methodology for detecting hazardous pesticides with important benefits and impact to both academic and professional audiences, in the UK and overseas.

Applicants should have an equivalent of first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, science (chemistry/physics) or engineering. The ideal candidate should have some understanding in the area of materials science, mechanical engineering (or related field), manufacturing, chemistry or physics background. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills for regular interaction with other stakeholders, with an interest for industrial research.
If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. Our minimum requirements are as follows:

IELTS Academic - 6.5 overall and 5.5 in all skill components.

TOEFL - 92 total and minimum skill component scores of 18 reading, 17 listening, 20 speaking and 17 writing.