PhD studentship, Environmental Science (Full-time)

Institution Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China
School School of Science
Supervisors Principal supervisor: Dr. Peng Zhao (XJTLU) Co-supervisor: Prof. Andrew Morse (UoL) Co-supervisor: Dr. Bailiang Li (XJTLU) Co-supervisor: Dr. Joshua Dean (UoL)
Application Deadline Open until the position is filled
Funding Availability Funded PhD project (world-wide students)
Project Title The exchange of bioaerosols between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere
Contact Please email peng.zhao@xjtlu.edu.cn (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) with a subject line of the PhD project title

Requirements:

The candidate should have a first class or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree (or equivalent qualification), in Environmental Science. Evidence of good spoken and written English is essential. The candidate should have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, if the first language is not English. This position is open to all qualified candidates irrespective of nationality.

Degree:

The student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK) upon successful completion of the program.

Funding:

The PhD studentship is available for three years subject to satisfactory progress by the student. The award covers tuition fees for three years (currently equivalent to RMB 80,000 per annum) and provides a monthly stipend of 5,000 RMB as a contribution to living expenses. It also provides up to RMB 16,500 to allow participation at international conferences during the period of the award. It is a condition of the award that holders of XJTLU PhD scholarships carry out 300-500 hours of teaching assistance work per year. The scholarship holder is expected to carry out the major part of his or her research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China. However, he or she is eligible for a research study visit to the University of Liverpool of up to six months, if this is required by the project.

Project Description:

Bioaerosols comprise of viruses, bacteria and bacteria agglomerates, fungal and plant spores, and pollen, which widely exist in the atmosphere and have key effects on genetic transport, human health, and climate. However, the knowledge on the transport processes of bioaerosols, especially the vertical exchange of bioaerosols and the factors controlling their atmospheric transport based on observations is very limited due to the lack of advanced measurement techniques. This study will develop and apply a novel direct measurement system by integrating the state-of-the-art micrometeorological technique with the newly developed online bioaerosol sensor, supported by a modern data processing package. Field campaigns will be carried out and provide valuable information on bioaerosol exchange and interaction between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere, which is required to validate and parameterize related global and regional models.

For more information about doctoral scholarship and PhD programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU): Please visit

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are advised to email peng.zhao@xjtlu.edu.cn (XJTLU principal supervisor’s email address) the following documents for initial review and assessment (please put the project title in the subject line).

  • CV
  • Two reference letters with company/university letterhead
  • Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
  • Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of 6.5 or above)
  • Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
  • Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for international students, only the English version is required)
  • PDF copy of Master Degree dissertation (or an equivalent writing sample) and examiners reports available

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Peng Zhao (peng.zhao@xjtlu.edu.cn), whose personal profile is linked below:

Lotus at XJTLU (Photo at XJTLU, June 2021)

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