Uncovering hidden contaminants in personal care products: Assessing PFAS and emerging chemicals for human exposure and regulatory insights

Billions of people use personal care products (PCPs) like makeup, skincare, and sunscreen, often unaware they may contain contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, phthalates, and microplastics. These chemicals, linked to severe health risks including endocrine disruption, cancer, and developmental disorders, are often undeclared on product labels. Regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep up with innovation in PCP formulations, leaving significant gaps in understanding chemical prevalence, exposure pathways, and long-term risks. This project aims to provide the first comprehensive assessment of both declared and undeclared contaminants in PCPs sold in the Australian market. Our focus includes products marketed as "natural" or "organic" and imports from unregulated international markets. Using cutting-edge targeted and non-targeted analytical techniques, we will detect known contaminants and uncover emerging chemicals, filling critical gaps in knowledge about these products.

QAEHS is internationally recognised for research excellence in the environmental sciences. The centre has established state-of-the-art sampling, analysis and archiving facilities located at the Dutton Park Campus. QAEHS maintains 7x LC-MS/MS and 5x GC-MS instruments, with a dedicated trace analytical laboratory and state-of-the-art instrumentation. The student will join a cohort of >30 HDR students researching human and environmental exposure to environmental contaminants.

The student will be given access to a centre-level travel support award scheme supporting participation at international conferences. The student will receive full access to their own computer and workstation. The research is supported through a number of grants and collaborations including a generous research consumable budget.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of environmental science, analytical chemistry, computer science, and mathematics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

A background or knowledge of analytical chemistry or machine learning tools is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Sara Ghorbani Gorji (s.ghorbanigorji@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 5 May, 2025 5 May, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter PFAS-GORJI.

Apply now