Research Assistant

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role., Show jumping surfaces are constructed from sand, wax and recycled carpet fibres. The client's products ensure that horses can be exercised and trained safely, protecting animal welfare while allowing for effective irrigation of the training compound. New regulations on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of persistent environmental pollutant, are a potential threat to the company's operations. Products must exhibit a PFAS threshold equivalent to 25 millionths of a gram for every kilogram of product produced, and these limits are expected to decrease in 2024, risking the company's entire business model. Commercial screening for PFAS is complex and expensive and only results in "pass/fail", which is of limited use to the company who need to know exactly how much PFAS their products contain. Using our internal expertise and the help of the research assistant, the project will:
(i) Develop a PFAS detection method using Core Facility instrumentation.
(ii) Quantify PFAS concentrations in sand, wax and recycled carpet fibres.
(iii) Provide expert opinion on previous PFAS results from external companies.
The successful candidate will complete activities such as:
(i) Reviewing literature on modern PFAS detection methods.
(ii) Perform sampling of wax, sand and recycled carpet fibre from the client.
(iii) Plan experiments to extract/isolate PFAS from sampled materials.
(iv) Determine concentrations of PFAS extracted using appropriate methods.
(v) Present data in appropriate formats.
(vi) Liaise with project team, presenting data/findings and discussing within the context of the client's business operations.
(vii) Contribute towards writing a technical report for the project.
This is an exciting opportunity with potential for further work in the future for the successful candidate. Training will be provided by the supervisory team and a site visit will be available.
Dates: May 2024 - August 2024.
Hours of Work: To be arranged. Up to 16h per week.

An opportunity has arisen within the field of environmental chemistry and the Circular Economy. The Department of Natural Sciences have established a relationship with one of the world's leading suppliers of show jumping surfaces, and require a research assistant to help gather some data in pursuit of de-risking their current business operations. Applicants should either be enrolled in or have completed studies toward a degree in chemistry, environmental science, or a related field. We are seeking enthusiastic, committed and organised candidates who are willing to explore problems independently and confidently, seeking help where necessary, and who are effective at communicating their progress within the supervisory team., This role is only open to current Manchester Met Students who meet the following requirements:

• Studying for a chemistry or environmental science degree (or similar).


• Not be graduating in summer 2024.


• Shows awareness of analytical methods for PFAS detection and quantification.


• Understands extraction processes.


• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively.


• Has a vested interest in Circular Economy principles.


• Has experience of working within a laboratory.
  
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