PhD Studentship: Fast Chemical Profiling for Detecting Fraud in Foods and Nutraceuticals

Primary supervisor - Prof Kate Kemsley

Join us to research and develop advanced analytical methods for tackling food fraud head-on! 

Economically motivated adulteration of foods is a significant problem that affects consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and public health. Often targeting high-value commodities, advanced analytical methods are needed to monitor the integrity of the supply chain and deter fraud.

This project aims to integrate compact but powerful analytical platforms including ‘benchtop’ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) to create a robust framework for authenticity screening. Fast and cost-effective, these technologies generate detailed chemical fingerprints that can characterise the composition of foods and stymie the fraudsters.

Key project aims:

• Develop end-to-end protocols for screening selected foods and nutraceuticals.
• Create advanced strategies for data integration using tailored algorithms and machine learning approaches.
• Demonstrate the integrated framework for high-risk commodities like edible oils, spices, and herbal supplements.

The project is jointly funded by UEA and CAMS-UK (Community for Analytical Measurement Science). It will also benefit from a co-supervisor based at the nearby John Innes Centre, a world-renowned centre for plant science, where you will spend time in the Biomolecular Analysis Facility. You will also have the opportunity to interact with partners from the UK's Food Authenticity Network and to join a wider network of collaborators working to ensure the authenticity of natural products. During your PhD, you will present your work in academic meetings and to a variety of industrial stakeholders.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and food integrity, and to make a direct impact on consumer trust and public health. If you are a graduate with a strong numerate background and skills in analytical chemistry, then this is the project for you!

Informal enquiries concerning the project are welcomed by the primary supervisor (k.kemsley@uea.ac.uk).

Mode of study

Full-time

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 (Hons) in Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Material Sciences, Biochemistry.

Must have analytical chemistry skills and good numeracy; experience of mathematical coding would be desirable.

Start date

1 October 2025

Additional Funding Information

This is a fully funded studentship for three years. Funding includes tuition fees at Home-fee rate and an annual stipend for maintenance.

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