Development of Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry for spacecraft missions

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Charlie Ryan, Geraint Morgan and Julie Herniman

This project will pioneer space-ready electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry to detect biosignatures in the Solar system. Combining spacecraft propulsion electrospray techniques with flight-proven miniaturised mass spectrometers, the project develop cutting edge electrospray mass spectrometry techniques through a unique collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) mission heritage.

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is the go-to technique for evaluating biological samples on Earth, used by tens of thousands of studies and a Nobel prize awarded in 2002. However, even though it is the gold standard method for complex molecule analysis, it has never been flown in space as an instrument to detect complex biosignatures that can indicate habitability on icy worlds (for example Jupiter’s moons). It generally requires atmospheric operation of an electrospray device into a vacuum chamber, which is a difficult setup in space. Moreover, the system is large and complex (typically the size of a large fridge).

Through a unique collaboration we will aim to resolve these issues. Firstly, we will apply electrospray techniques from spacecraft propulsion, using ionic liquids to produce very small ions containing the biological samples, an area in which Dr Charlie Ryan has widely published. Secondly, we will reduce the complexity and size of the mass spectrometer through miniaturisation techniques co-developed by Co-Supervisor Professor Geraint Morgan. Progessor Morgain's mass spectrometers have successfully flown on the European Space Agency Rosetta and Beagle2 space missions, with various patented methods for controlling high voltages in mass spectrometers developed.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Given the interdisciplinarity of the project we are open to applications from different fields, both from aerospace engineering but also from chemistry and other related fields.

Fees and funding

This project has been awarded an EPSRC DLA Strategic Award Studentship.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)