PhD Studentship in Development of Microengineered Platforms for Point-of-care Diagnostics

A PhD Studentship is available for a suitably qualified candidate to conduct research leading to the award of a PhD degree in the field of Chemical Engineering. The successful candidate will join the world-leading Advanced Nano-Materials, Structures and Applications (ANMSA) Group, one of the leading academic groups in the field of development of novel micro and nano-structures and miniaturised diagnostic technologies. Further information can be found on the group’s website: www.anmsa.com.
We are looking for a highly motivated, bright and enthusiastic candidate with a preferable background in fabrication, characterisation and development of microfluidic devices and surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and a familiarity with chemometric deconvolution (PLS) and/or principal component analysis (PCA)methods. The research is of an interdisciplinary nature and lies at the interface of physical science, engineering and biomaterials and will explore development and implementation of advanced, cost-effective and versatile patterning techniques as well as ways to establish applicability of patterned surfaces and their integration in miniaturised integrated microfluidic surface enhanced Raman scattering systems for point-of-care detection. The superior detection properties and the ability to fabricate lab-on-a-chip on the miniaturised scale will be aimed to facilitate the development of advanced and novel optofluidic devices and will offer numerous applications in biomedical diagnostics, ecological warfare and homeland security.
These aspects require a high level of literacy and numeracy, coupled with an ability to develop new techniques and use of unfamiliar equipment. These skills will make the PhD candidate highly employable after completing the degree.
The candidate should be qualified to at least first degree level with an upper second or first class honours degree in an appropriate branch of Engineering (e.g., Materials, Electrical, Chemical) or Exact Science (e.g., Physics, Chemistry) or related fields. A strong background in lithography, clean room hands-on experience, SERS and electron microscopy characterisation as well as a previous laboratory experience is advantageous, although full training will be provided. The studentship is fully-funded covering the maintenance, College and University fees and continuation of funding is subject to annual performance review.
Applications comprising a detailed CV, Cover letter, the names and addresses of two referees should be sent by email to Dr P. Goldberg Oppenheimer: [Email Address Removed] by 13/7/2019. Dr Oppenheimer would also welcome informal enquiries. The successful applicant will be required subsequently to submit a standard application to the University.