Developing and testing novel Raman Nanotheranostic instrumentation for the detection and treatment of cancer, Physics – PhD (Funded)

We seek a talented physical scientist/engineer (PhD student) to join our team in Biospectroscopy/Biophysics in Exeter. You will study for a PhD in the development of a future medical technology called Raman Nanotheranostics. The successful candidate would participate in a substantial multi-disciplinary EPSRC programme: Raman NanoTheranostics (RaNT), joining a team of leading scientists from the University of Exeter, University of Cambridge, London School of Pharmacy (UCL) and the STFC Central Laser Facility working on patient specific diagnosis and effective treatment of cancers.

The team are developing innovative, uniquely safe, nanoparticle (NP) constructs, coupled with novel readout technologies, capable of detecting signals from depths of >8 cm non-invasively, mediating targeted therapies with light and non-invasively monitoring the efficacy of these and other therapies. This will address a critical clinical need for accurate and early disease diagnosis accompanied by effective, patient and disease specific therapy.

The project aims to:
1) Build and develop prototype deep Raman systems able to measure required SESORS signatures from cells and tissues at depths of many cm.
2) Develop methods for light delivery to nanoparticles (NP) within tissues and to monitor the local temperature within the area of interest.
3) Utilise device to provide signals from cell cultures, ex vivo tissue specimens, in vivo models.
4) Develop novel imaging methods for localisation and identification of NP clusters.

The PhD project will be based at the University of Exeter, working within Physics and the Living Systems Institute. Supervision will be provided by Prof Nick Stone, Prof of Biomedical Imaging and Biosensing, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter and Consultant Clinical Scientist, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust; Prof Pavel Matousek, Senior Research Fellow, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory; Prof Francesca Palombo, Associate Professor of Biospectroscopy, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter.

This research would suit a candidate with a Physics, Natural Sciences, Chemistry, or Bioengineering degree, ideally with experience using analytical tools such as microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.