PhD position - A New Dimension in Sports Testing Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute & Dept of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
*Studentship stipends start at £14,000 p.a. *
*Based in Milton Keynes **Commencing on 1 January 2007*
An EPSRC Industrial CASE Studentship sponsored by Anatune Ltd. In the run-up to the 2012 Olympics it is increasingly important to be able to detect the use of illicit drugs in competitors. Regardless of the sport, the testing laboratory is faced with the complex problem of detecting a wide range of drugs at low levels, in complex matrices. This has necessitated the development of highly specific tests covering a small range of analytes. In addition to high cost, methodologies designed to target specific compounds are flawed in that they have limited capability to detect new agents. This has been targeted as a means of developing drugs specifically designed to avoid detection, e.g. THG. The sensitivity and orthogonal separation capabilities of a Leco 4D-GCxGC-TOFMS provides a potential solution. You will work closely with the industrial partners to develop novel, protocols. A close working relationship with HFL Ltd. will keep the programme focussed on the requirements of the sports testing laboratory. You should have obtained a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in a chemical or biological science discipline. Applicants with a lower second-class degree and industrial experience in analytical chemistry may also apply.
For information on the specific project, contact Dr. Geraint Morgan FRAS, MRSC by email g.h.morgan@open. ac.uk or telephone 01908 655180.
For further information on studentships within the OU and the application procedure visit the website: http://www.open. ac.uk/research- school/
Closing date for applications: 30 November 2006.
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