4 year GTA - Novel sensors/assays for healthcare applications

About the Project

Open to UK applicants only

The School of Chemistry has fully-funded Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentships available for UK applicants, starting in September 2026.

The opportunities allow successful candidates to pursue their passion for research in the chemical sciences, alongside developing their skills as chemistry lecturers and educators of the future. This includes working toward gaining recognition as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

The GTA involves laboratory demonstrating and other teaching responsibilities in term time, with approximately 80% of your time dedicated to research across the calendar year. These are 4-year positions that include an annual stipend and salary package, full UK tuition fees, and a research and training grant.

Project Highlights

• Synthesis of gold nanoparticles with catalytic properties is an important research topic for diagnostic applications.
• We have developed new protocols for integrating gold nanoparticles with substrate-selective polymeric shells – highly desirable hybrid materials with catalytic/molecular recognition functions.
• The proposed work will be delivered by collaborative efforts of World-leading groups with expertise in molecular imprinting and catalysis.

Description

Molecular imprinting is the technique of imparting molecular recognition properties in a cross-linked synthetic polymer by polymerisation in the presence of a molecular template. The resultant materials are known as molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and have applications in separations, assays, sensors and catalysis and are often referred to as “plastic antibodies”. For diagnostic applications preparation of the materials as nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) have many advantages, as they can be used as direct replacements for antibodies in existing device or assay formats. We have recently pioneered a solid phase approach to the synthesis of nanoMIPs which is compatible with automation and allows production of nanoparticles with high affinity and specificity. We were able to integrate synthesised nanoMIPs with catalytic gold core turning them into hybrid with recognition and catalytic functions. These materials are highly desirable for replacing enzymes and antibodies in diagnostic applications for healthcare.

Project Aim: In this project it is proposed to prepare nanoMIPs with gold cores and investigate their utility in the production of robust assays/sensors for the detection of pharmaceuticals. The candidate will receive training in molecular modelling, modern methods of polymer synthesis, molecular imprinting, nanoparticle characterisation, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry etc.

Methodology. Polymer composition for selected pharmaceuticals will be optimised using molecular modelling and computational screening. MIP nanoparticles with gold cores will be prepared by a Fenton-like reaction. Synthesis of MIP shells is achieved by localised radical polymerization of monomer mixture triggered by hydroxyl radicals produced by hydrogen peroxide decomposed on the gold surface. The products of this reaction are highly specific and robust composite Au/MIP nanoparticles (Au/MIP nanozymes) with integrated biorecognition and catalytic properties. MIP nanoparticles will be characterised using DLS, FTIR, SEM, and by affinity assay (Biacore and Octet systems). Developed MIPs will be tested in assays (ELISA format), resonance and electrochemical sensors.

Informal enquiries:

Project Enquiries to: Professor Sergey Piletsky Sp523@le.ac.uk

Application enquiries to Dr Richard Doveston r.g.doveston@leicester.ac.uk(Postgraduate Admissions tutor for the School of Chemistry)

To apply please refer to the application advice and use the application link at https://le.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/funded-opportunities/chemistry-gta

Start 21 September 2026

Funding Notes

GTA Studentships provide funding for 4 years to include:

• Tuition fees at UK rates
• A combined teaching and stipend payment (for 2026/7 this will be £21,805 per year, paid in monthly instalments)
• Research training support grant (RTSG)

References

1. Poma, A. et al. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2013, 23 (22), 2821-2827.
2. Garcia-Cruz A. et al. Nanoeng., 2020, 6, 1-9.
3. Abdulsada S. H. et. al. Mat. Adv., 2025, 6, 378-387