Advanced sensing platforms

Project description

Are you passionate about cutting-edge nanotechnology research and its real-world applications? Join our dynamic research team at the University of Dundee’s School of Science & Engineering for a fully funded PhD project in nanomaterials and advanced sensing technologies.

This project focuses on the fabrication of nanomaterial-based substrates using laser-assisted photocatalytic growth of silver and gold nanoparticles. These substrates will be analysed using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)—a highly sensitive optical detection technique capable of identifying molecular structures with extreme precision.

SERS has vast potential for environmental sensing, biomedical diagnostics and pharmaceutical trace analysis, offering label-free detection with minimal sample preparation. To advance this field, we will develop stable, robust, and cost-effective sensing platforms that can be produced at scale for real-world applications. 

You will work in state-of-the-art research laboratories with access to cutting-edge nanofabrication and characterisation tools. You will be part of a thriving research community of scientists and PhD students at the University of Dundee. Through this project, you will develop expertise in nanomaterials, laser processing, and optical sensing technologies, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in real-world sensing applications.

Key objectives and potential impact

• Fabrication of nanomaterial-based SERS substrates
• Advanced characterisation and performance optimization
• Development of highly reproducible and scalable sensing platforms
• Expansion of SERS applications in environmental sensing, biomedicine and pharmaceutical trace detection

Any specific requirements for candidates

A minimum of a 1st BSc (or equivalent qualification level) in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or another relevant degree with sufficient focus on one of these areas, e.g. Engineering or Natural Sciences.

Diversity statement

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.

This is a fully-funded position (tuition fees and stipend) for Home students only. To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.