Laser Cleaning for the Surface Treatment and Analysis of Parchment

About the Project

AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) studentship – "Laser Cleaning for the Surface Treatment and Analysis of Parchment”

Start date: 1 October 2026

Application Deadline: 1st June

*We expect interviews to take place online/in person at Imperial in late June.*

Imperial College London and The National Archives invite applications for a fully funded Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) PhD studentship funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) in the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) scheme.

This project addresses the urgent need for robust, evidence-based evaluation of laser cleaning technologies for parchment conservation. While laser cleaning is increasingly used across the heritage sector, its effects on proteinaceous materials such as parchment remain poorly understood. This studentship will combine advanced photonics, analytical science, and conservation practice to investigate the material, chemical, and ethical implications of laser-based surface treatment.

Working with unique collections and conservation expertise at The National Archives—the official archive for the UK Government and for England and Wales—the project will develop a scientific understanding of laser–parchment interactions and contribute to guidance for the safe and responsible adoption of laser cleaning within archival workflows.

The project is particularly suited to candidates with a background in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a closely related experimental discipline who are interested in applying advanced instrumentation and analytical techniques to real-world challenges in heritage science.

Project Overview

The PhD will focus on understanding how different laser modalities interact with parchment substrates and how these interactions affect material integrity. The research will combine controlled laser–material interaction studies with advanced analytical techniques, particularly real-time ambient mass spectrometry, to monitor both contaminant removal, potential substrate alteration, and measure environmental conditions from when the document was created.

Key aspects include:

• Systematic investigation of laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, fluence, repetition rate) and their effect on parchment
• Chemical and structural characterisation of treated materials
• Development of real-time analytical approaches to distinguish cleaning from damage
• Establishment of safe operating thresholds across different parchment types and degradation states

The project will draw on parchment samples and case studies from The National Archives and will include both experimental and modelling components. There is flexibility in the choice of specific case studies and analytical approaches, allowing the student to shape aspects of the project based on their interests.

Research questions include:

• How do laser parameters affect the chemical and structural integrity of parchment?
• Can real-time analytical monitoring distinguish between contaminant removal and unintended substrate modification? Can the same monitoring determine environmental conditions at the time the parchment was produced, e.g. historical pollution levels.
• What are safe and repeatable operating thresholds?
• How can laser cleaning be responsibly integrated into conservation decision-making?

Training

The student will be jointly supervised by:

• Dr Robbie Murray (Department of Physics, Imperial College London)
• Prof Zoltan Takats (Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London)

and co-supervised by:

• Giorgia Genco (Conservation Treatment Manager, The National Archives)
• Dr Marc Vermeulen (Head of Heritage Science, The National Archives)

The student will be based across Imperial College London and The National Archives, gaining experience in both a leading photonics and analytical chemistry research environment, and a national heritage institution. They will work alongside conservation professionals and heritage scientists, with access to conservation studios and analytical laboratories.

The project will involve substantial hands-on experimental work, including laser system development, surface treatment studies, and chemical analysis of heritage materials.

As part of the CDP programme, the student will join a national cohort of doctoral researchers working across the heritage sector, with access to training and development opportunities. A placement (typically 1–3 months) at The National Archives will form part of the studentship.

Eligibility

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a Master’s degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience. Suitable disciplines include Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Conservation Science, or related fields.

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate interest in experimental research and analytical techniques
• Show an interest in heritage or conservation science
• Be willing to work across both Imperial College London and The National Archives

The studentship is open to both Home and International applicants. International applicants should note that they are responsible for covering the difference between Home and Overseas fees.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet UKRI eligibility criteria (e.g. UK nationality or settled status). Further details are available via UKRI guidance.

The studentship can be undertaken full-time or part-time.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to improving diversity within heritage science and STEM disciplines and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented at doctoral level.

Support is available throughout the application process, including:

• Informal discussions with supervisors
• Information on institutional support systems
• Insight into the interview process
• Opportunities to speak with current CDP students

For adjustments or support, please contact: robert.murray10@imperial.ac.uk or research@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Find out more

For more information, please contact Dr Robert Murray (robert.murray10@imperial.ac.uk) and Giorgia Genco (Giorgia.Genco@nationalarchives.gov.uk). We strongly encourage prospective applicants to get in touch before making an application.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Imperial College online system. Please select Physics PhD Research and specify Dr Robert Murray as the proposed supervisor.

We understand that applicants may use tools such as AI to support their application; however, submissions must be accurate, original, and reflect the applicant’s own work.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Murray to discuss the project informally.

Funding Notes

CDP doctoral training grants fund full‑time studentships for 48 months (or part‑time equivalent).

The award covers home tuition fees and stipend:

• Tuition fees - up to the UKRI full‑time home rate for PhD degrees (£5,238 for 2026/27). International students must self‑fund the difference between this and the Imperial Physics PhD overseas fee (£31,400 in 2025/26).
• Stipend - £21,805/year + £2,000 London Weighting, and an additional £600/year for CDP students.

Further details are available on the UKRI website.

Students may also claim up to £4,000 in research‑related expenses from The National Archives.