PhD Studentship: Non-invasive, spectroscopic methods to detect key protein biomarkers for point-of-care testing

Proteins are key biomarkers, indicative of normal biological or pathogenic processes and responses to intervention. Identification and quantification of such molecules in biological fluids is undoubtedly of clinical utility in diagnostics and therapeutics. Current practices, in research and clinic, for protein sampling are invasive (blood, plasma or serum samples are used due to their protein abundancy). Protein identification methods are not easily translated into a point-of-care (POC) testing given the laborious, time-consuming and sophisticated nature of currently available techniques.

A POC device will require an easily operable and user-friendly detection technique to identify targets of interest with minimal training or specialized equipment. The goal is to enable rapid, reliable results directly at the site of patient care or field testing, without the need for complex laboratory infrastructure. This demands a detection method that is robust, low-maintenance, and capable of delivering clear, actionable outputs, even in resource-limited settings. Confocal Raman spectroscopy is capable of detecting chemicals with minimal sample treatment, non-invasively. The primary objective of this project is to develop a clear and reliable spectroscopic method for detecting and quantifying minimally resolved key biomarkers across various separation media, with the aim of eventual integration into a point-of-care device.

The project would be ideally suited for someone with a strong chemistry or closely related background and an interest and in analytical and biological chemistry.

Supervisor: Dr Nota Zarmpi

Entry requirements

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in January 2026. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Nota Zarmpi once deadline passes.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Candidates should have a strong background and first degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical sciences or a closely related subject (BSc/MChem/MSc). Industrial experience, such as through an undergraduate placement or employment, would be advantageous.

This is a 4-year Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentship, with a slightly higher teaching requirement alongside the PhD studies and would particularly suit someone with an interest in future education/teaching as well as research, such as academia. Full training will be provided.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the PhD Chemistry programme page, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only for 4 years. UKRI Standard Stipend - £20,780 per year for 2025/26 academic year.

Application deadline: 1 September 2025

Enquiries: Contact Dr Nota Zarmpi

Ref: PGR-2526-001

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