A new fluorescence approach for rapid cancer detection

Despite the existence of screening and biopsies, the lack of sensitive and affordable tools for early diagnosis and prognosis remain key obstacles to reducing cancer mortality by instigating treatment earlier and enhancing patient's life quality by personalising therapies. Liquid biopsy offers a promising solution, but current methods are proving to be techically challenging and are yet to be optimised for the clinic. This project aims to develop a new approach based on novel fluorescent RNA nanoprobes and rapid time-resolved fluorescence detection to facilitate tumour cell differentiation, thus providing a rapid, sensitive, reliable and high throughput solution for cancer detection.

This is a multidisciplinary project, involving state-of-the-art optical spectroscopy and microscopy at the interface of nanotechnology and life science.

The student will be based in Photophysics Group in the Department of Physics with access to outstanding laboratories and facilities, including the Centre of Molecular Nanometrology. The centre has strong collaborations with other research groups, industry and biomedical practitioners. 

The applicant should have, or expected to receive, a first-class or upper second-class UK honours degree, or overseas equivalent, or an MSc, in physics, chemistry, or a related subject. Informal enquires may be directed to Dr. Yu Chen ([Email Address Removed]). Formal applications can be made through online application

(ben.mis.strath.ac.uk/pguserprofile/control/enterDetailsPage)