PhD in Engineering - Modelling and Simulations of Nano-biosensor for Protein Sensing

The James Watt School of Engineering of the University of Glasgow and the Device Modelling Group are seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5-year Ph.D. project entitled “Modelling and Simulations of Nano-Biosensor for Protein Sensing”. 

 The main aim of this project is to significantly improve the performance of nano-biosensors for biomedical application. This ultimate level of sensitivity has the potential to lead to a steep change in biomolecular analysis, with implications across healthcare and life sciences (e.g. in early disease diagnosis and personalised medicine), due to the ease of integration of these sensors in large arrays of compact, low-cost and low-power devices. To achieve this goal, we will combine experiment and simulation know-how and knowledge provided by the partner institutions - Luxemburg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and University of Glasgow (UofG). This project aims to interlink areas of biology, chemistry, device physics and electronics.

This Ph.D. project is a continuation of research which is currently undergoing in a European H2020 project called ELECTROMED. It will simulate the most complete understanding of the nano-biosensor behaviour in all stages of its operation.

The objectives are:

·      To use Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to simulate nano-biosensors.

·      ML and AI methods will extend the simulation capabilities of NESS, software that is currently in development at UofG.

·      To improve the sensitivity and reliability of the peptide and antibody sensor currently in development at LIST.

·      To validate and calibrate the UofG simulator to the experimental results provided by experimental data obtained at LIST.

·      To build a prototype for a sensor that will be able to capture protein and peptide concentration in blood samples.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have good computational skills and background in Engineering, Physics or Chemistry. Applicants require an upper-second or first-class BSc Honours degree, or a Masters qualification of equal or higher standard. Knowledge of computational methods and numerical methods is highly advantageous but not mandatory. Programming skills are not required but will be beneficial. The candidate must be interested in conducting interdisciplinary research and to have good interpersonal skills.

The student will be part of the Device Modelling Group at University of Glasgow. However, the student will have the opportunity to visit out collaborators in LIST.

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.