PhD in Chemistry - Quantum Nanophotonics for Molecular Recognition

About the Project

Start date: October 2026

Tiny changes in proteins — even single mutations — can completely transform how they bind to their targets. But most techniques still average over millions of molecules, hiding this detail.

This fully funded PhD will develop a new way to detect molecular binding at the single-molecule level, using twisted (chiral) light, nanophotonic structures, quantum light emitters, and machine learning.

You’ll help build a platform where individual biomolecular interactions generate bright optical fingerprints, allowing us to detect subtle structural differences with unprecedented sensitivity. Applications include antibody–antigen interactions and next-generation viral detection and diagnostics.

The project is a collaboration with Dr William Peveler, combining experimental nanoscience with data-driven analysis. You’ll gain hands-on training in:

• Nanofabrication & advanced materials
• Optical spectroscopy & quantum photonics
• Machine learning for experimental data
• Biomolecular sensing

All work is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre.

How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.

Funding Notes

Funding is available to cover tuition fees for UK applicants for 3.5 years, as well as paying a stipend at the Research Council rate (estimated £21,805, for Session 2067/27).

Eligibility: Equivalent of at least a 2:1 in Physics, Chemical Physics, Chemistry or Engineering Subject