Exploring the toxicological impacts of air pollution using advanced in-vitro approaches

About the project

About the Project Air pollution is a major public health emergency, responsible for more than 7 million deaths each year and contributing significantly to health inequalities. Yet particulate matter is still regulated primarily by mass, implicitly assuming that every microgram is equally harmful, regardless of its source. This assumption is difficult to defend, as aerosols from combustion, traffic, indoor and secondary atmospheric sources differ substantially in their physical and chemical composition and may elicit markedly different biological responses. Importantly, it remains unclear which pollution sources are the most hazardous per unit mass. This represents an important knowledge gap, as identifying the most harmful sources could help inform more effective and targeted mitigation strategies. Most in-vitro studies rely on collecting and resuspending particles before applying them to submerged cells. However, this process can alter the physicochemical properties of the pollutants, meaning that the responses observed may not accurately reflect the effects of exposure to pollution as it exists in the atmosphere. There is therefore a need for more realistic exposure systems that allow physiologically representative human airway models to be exposed directly to freshly generated aerosols. This PhD project aims to address this knowledge gap by determining how emissions from different pollution sources affect the human airway using advanced in-vitro exposure and cellular models. The project is centred on the culture of human airway epithelial models at the air-liquid interface (ALI), combined with state-of-the-art cellular and molecular assays. Exposures will be delivered using a continuous-flow ALI system coupled directly to the Manchester Aerosol Chamber at the Centre for Atmospheric Science. This unique setup will enable human airway models to be exposed to fresh or photochemically aged pollution mixtures generated from a range of sources, including wood burning, cooking, cleaning products and diesel emissions. The specific pollution sources and exposure scenarios investigated will be tailored to the candidate’s interests, while taking into account available experimental resources and expertise. The successful candidate will work alongside leading experts in aerosol science, toxicology and immunology and will join a multidisciplinary and vibrant research environment comprising academic staff, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. The project aligns with the MRC Centre of Research Excellence in Exposome Immunology, a joint Manchester-Oxford initiative investigating how environmental exposures contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and COPD. This provides access to a wider research community, cross-institutional expertise and opportunities for interdisciplinary training. This research offers a unique opportunity to combine atmospheric science, cell biology, toxicology and immunology to address a major public health challenge. By identifying how the biological effects of air pollution vary according to source and atmospheric processing, the project will contribute to a stronger evidence base for understanding pollution-related health effects and informing future air-quality policy and mitigation strategies. Eligibility Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master's (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline; for example biological sciences, biomedical sciences, toxicology, pharmacology, environmental science or chemistry. This is a laboratory-based cell biology project. Prior hands-on experience of mammalian cell culture (for example through an undergraduate or master's research project, or a placement) is desirable and applicants are encouraged to describe any such experience in their application. Experience of standard cytotoxicity, oxidative stress or inflammatory endpoint assays would be an advantage but is not essential, as full training will be provided. Funding This 4 year project is for self funded students or students with external funding. Before you apply We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor for this project before you apply (Dr Aristeidis Voliotis; aristeidis.voliotis@manchester.ac.uk ). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. How to apply Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress CV Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it). Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference) English Language certificate (if applicable) If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk . Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Research areas