Advanced sensing platforms

The Raman spectroscopy technique provides a ’spectral fingerprint’ of a molecule that can be used for analytical proposes in a variety of application. It is well suited for analysis of solid, liquid and gas samples without the need for laborious sample preparation. The main obstacle to widespread implementation of Raman spectroscopy is that the Raman effect is very weak. In this context, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) combines all advantages of the Raman technique, notably the high specificity, with greatly increased sensitivity. This extends the application scope of SERS to analytical chemistry and biochemistry, forensics and trace analysis of medicines, drugs, explosives, etc. In the context of SERS implementation for trace detection, it is essential to design sensing platforms that are stable, robust, and reproducible and that can be produced at reduced cost and, if necessary, on a large scale. Over the past few years, there has been a notable shift in the development of SERS substrates, gearing toward practical applications where high reproducibility and enhancement are of paramount importance.

The PhD project will cover the full technological cycle from materials fabrication, characterisation and laser-assisted modification to translation of the material systems into sensing platforms.

For informal enquiries about the project, contact Dr Svetlana Zolotovskaya (S.A.Zolotovskaya@dundee.ac.uk)
For general enquiries about the University of Dundee, contact doctoralacademy@dundee.ac.uk


QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have obtained, or expect to obtain, a first or 2.1 UK honours degree, or equivalent for degrees obtained outside the UK in a relevant discipline.

English language requirement: IELTS (Academic) score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s English language requirements are available online: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements.


APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Email Dr Svetlana Zolotovskaya (S.A.Zolotovskaya@dundee.ac.uk) to (1) send a copy of your CV and (2) discuss your potential application and any practicalities (e.g. suitable start date).

Step 2: After discussion with Dr Zolotovskaya, formal applications can be made via UCAS Postgraduate. When applying, please follow the instructions below:

Apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Biomedical Engineering: https://digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/df9c9c37-60d9-44ab-84bd-43547e737c89. Select the start date and study mode (full-time/part-time) agreed with the lead supervisor.

In the ‘provider questions’ section of the application form:
- Write the project title and ‘FindAPhD.com’ in the ‘if your application is in response to an advertisement’ box;
- Write the lead supervisor’s name and give brief details of your previous contact with them in the ‘previous contact with the University of Dundee’ box.

In the ‘personal statement’ section of the application form, outline your suitability for the project selected.