PhD Studentship in Astronomy

University of Nottingham

School/Faculty: School of Physics and Astronomy / Faculty of Engineering
Location: University of Nottingham
Reference: SCI3047
Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Duration: 3.5 years
Funding: Fully funded (stipend and PhD fees)

Project Overview

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) affects approximately 3,000 people in the UK each year, with increasing incidence and mortality. This PhD offers the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team developing a radical approach for better detection and treatment using ultra-thin snake-like robots and advanced optical imaging techniques.

The project integrates:

• Raman spectroscopy – a label-free technique that measures the molecular composition of tissue via light-induced molecular vibrations.
• Optical fibre imaging – hair-thin glass fibres for 3D mapping of cancer tissue.
• Laser-based probes – enabling high-resolution molecular sensing and precise navigation within the body for improved diagnosis and localized treatment.

This cutting-edge approach combines physics, engineering, and clinical applications to develop innovative cancer diagnostic and treatment technologies.

Supervisors

• Prof Ioan Notingher – School of Physics and Astronomy (Raman spectroscopy)
• Dr George Gordon – Faculty of Engineering (Optical Fibre Imaging)
• Dr Abdelkhalick Mohammad – Faculty of Engineering (Snake-like Medical Robots)

What We Offer

• Interdisciplinary training in a world-class team of physicists, engineers, and clinicians
• Fully funded 3.5-year PhD including stipend and tuition fees for UK students
• Supportive environment as signatories of the Researcher Development Concordat (Vitae)
• Opportunities to produce high-quality publications
• Funding for research consumables and travel to international conferences

Candidate Requirements

• A 1st degree in Physics or Engineering
• Interest in optics and some programming ability
• Willingness to learn complementary skills across disciplines

How to Apply

The PhD student will work jointly in the labs of Prof Notingher, Dr Gordon, and Dr Mohammad.

For further information, please contact Prof Ioan Notingher at [email].

Applications should be submitted via the University of Nottingham portal: How to Apply

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