PhD Studentship: Automated Microscale Dissolution Testing Based on Deep Integration of Scanning Electrochemical/Optical Microscopies and Machine Vision

Solubility, and dissolution dynamics, are key physico-chemical properties of active ingredient solid forms and are required across the chemical industry, however their determination remains a bottleneck in the screening process. This PhD project will address this through deep integration of scanning probe electrochemistry, optical microscopy and machine vision, to develop a system that can automatically assess solubility from arrays of micron-scale crystals deposited on a substrate.

This project will give the student training in a wide range of skills applicable to modern analytical chemistry, including high throughput experimentation, programming (e.g. in LabView, Matlab) and numerical modelling. They will be joining a thriving, inclusive Chemistry department with excellent facilities for microscale analysis and a strong tradition in analytical and electroanalytical chemistry.

Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a chemistry related degree

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3.5 years and includes a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate. There is also a Research Training Support Grant of £2000. Due to funding restrictions, this is opportunity is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

Application information:

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Chemistry’ Please quote the advertised reference number: IM/CM/2025 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. 

Advert information