Research Associate - School of Chemistry

Despite the significant health, social and economic burdens arising from respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, we have limited understanding of the impact of environmental factors on their survival in aerosol particles during airborne transmission. This is in large part a consequence of the considerable challenges associated with directly studying micro-organisms in the aerosol phase, an environment unlike any other. In this project, we will develop a novel instrument for exploring the processes that affect how well bacteria and viruses survive when in airborne droplets. In particular, we will build and test an instrument that will allow the suspension and manipulation of aerosol particles in air containing a known number of bacteria or viruses, and measurements of the dependence of their survival on time, relative humidity, temperature and light. Combined, these capabilities will allow us to simulate the processes pathogens experience whilst moving from person-to-person, exploring how different environmental conditions influence how many survive while airborne.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.