PhD Studentship: Optical Trapping and Quantum Biosensing

This PhD project explores the use of plasmonic nanostructures for trapping and spectroscopic characterization of proteins, enabling real-time, label-free studies of their structure, dynamics, and interactions.

The research will focus on designing plasmonic platforms to trap proteins non-invasively in aqueous environments, using the intense electromagnetic fields within nanogaps. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy will be employed to probe vibrational signatures, revealing structural changes and interactions at the single-molecule level [1-5].

A significant aspect of the project will involve optimizing the trapping conditions—such as laser power, wavelength, and nanostructure geometry—to prevent photodamage while achieving strong signal enhancement. The project will also investigate the influence of external factors like pH, ionic strength, and temperature on protein stability and function.

The outcomes will provide new insights into protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation processes, with applications in biophysics, drug discovery, and disease diagnostics. This research is part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship investigating “the hidden mysteries of light at the atomic scale”. The student will have opportunities to collaborate with leading international research groups at the University of Cambridge, MIT, and UCLA, and to engage with an interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.

Applicants should have completed (or closer to completion) their undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or related Physical Sciences (preferably with first-class honours or equivalent). Strong analytical and experimental skills are desirable. The project's specifics will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailoring the research to their interests.

The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://sites.google.com/view/chikkaraddy), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-physics-and-astronomy/quantum-matter-and-photonics/metamaterials-and-nanophotonics) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

Funding, awarded on a competitive basis, is available to UK/EU nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years. Non-EU candidates with the appropriate qualifications will be considered.

To apply, please click the above “Apply” button and clearly specify the project's title, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy), and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre. The application deadline is January 16, 2026.

For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk.

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