PhD Studentship - Development of Advanced Miniaturised Device Technologies for Point-of-Care Diagnostics of Detrimental Diseases

University of Birmingham - Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

A fully funded PhD studentship is available for outstanding candidates to undertake cutting-edge research leading to a PhD in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. The successful candidate(s) will join the world-leading Advanced Nano Materials, Structures and Applications (ANMSA) Group, a hub for innovation in the development of novel micro- and nanostructures and miniaturized diagnostic technologies. More information about the group can be found at www.ANMSA.com.

We are seeking highly motivated, bright and enthusiastic candidates with a strong background in micro/nanofabrication, characterization and the development of miniaturized devices. Experience with multivariate analysis, computational methods or statistical techniques is highly desirable.

The PhD projects are highly interdisciplinary, situated at the interface of microengineering, physics and medicine and will focus on the development and clinical validation of advanced point-of-care diagnostic devices. The research will involve engineering intelligent spectroscopic techniques to non-invasively detect and quantify disease, with applications in monitoring and understanding cellular and tissue responses to therapy.

These projects aim to generate high-impact publications and potential patents, foster strong interdisciplinary collaborations, and equip candidates with a broad skill set applicable across academia and industry. By advancing disease diagnostics and monitoring, this work will contribute to improving health outcomes and quality of life for millions worldwide.

Candidates should possess at least a first degree with upper second-class honors or above in Engineering (Materials, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical) or Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry) or a closely related field. The studentships are fully funded, covering maintenance and University fees, with continuation dependent on annual performance review.

This PhD represents a unique opportunity to develop expertise in micro/nanoengineering, advanced diagnostics, and translational biomedical research, positioning successful candidates at the forefront of innovation in health technologies.

Applications comprising a detailed CV, Cover letter as well as two references should be sent by email to Professor P. G. Oppenheimer: GoldberP@bham.ac.uk as soon as possible and no later than by 27.05.2026. Professor Oppenheimer would also welcome informal enquiries. The successful applicant will be required subsequently to submit a standard application to the University.