Development of microfluidic systems for waterborne pathogens offers many challenges and the exact focus of the PhD can be negotiated in accordance with the interests of the candidate.

Molecular methods are useful for the detection of waterborne pathogens as information on species and/or viability can be obtained. Such protocols can be miniaturised and performed on microfluidic chips. For the on chip detection of the pathogen Cryptosporidium there are several stages requiring work, including the development of a reliable extraction method from single oocysts, creation of an on-chip NASBA system and choice of appropriate detection technology. There are further issues related to system integration of microfluidic devices, especially related to coupling to sample processing units, to create systems capable of processing larger water volumes, with minimal user input. An alternative to the use of molecular methods is microfluidic systems coupled with either optical or electrical manipulation/detection protocols, e.g. Raman spectroscopy, dielectrophoresis or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Further work is needed to design, characterise and develop these systems.
The Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3) is part of Heriot-Watt University and is focused on applying advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests of the members and the state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative research. Approximately 100 PhD students are currently being trained in our Graduate School who benefit from core skills courses, post-graduate society activities and a truly inter-disciplinary environment in a beautiful campus.

We offer an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic student to work at the scientific interface within the multi-disciplinary environment offered by IB3. The student will work with biologists, physicists and engineers to develop a skill base in microfluidics, microfabrication and waterborne pathogen biology. We welcome candidates with physics/engineering background keen to develop skills in microfluidics applied to pathogen detection. Full funding is available to UK and EU applicants only. The ideal candidate will have a 1st, or strong 2:1, honours degree in chemistry, physics, engineering (or similar scientific discipline) and have a keen interest in microfluidics research.