PhD Studentship: Plasmonic Trapping and Spectroscopy of Proteins

This PhD project explores the use of plasmonic nanostructures for trapping and spectroscopic characterization of proteins, enabling real-time, label-free studies of their structure, dynamics, and interactions.

The research will focus on designing plasmonic platforms to trap proteins non-invasively in aqueous environments, using the intense electromagnetic fields within nanogaps. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy will be employed to probe vibrational signatures, revealing structural changes and interactions at the single-molecule level [1-5].

A significant aspect of the project will involve optimizing the trapping conditions—such as laser power, wavelength, and nanostructure geometry—to prevent photodamage while achieving strong signal enhancement. The project will also investigate the influence of external factors like pH, ionic strength, and temperature on protein stability and function.

The outcomes will provide new insights into protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation processes, with applications in biophysics, drug discovery, and disease diagnostics. This work has the potential to revolutionize nanoscale biochemical analysis through plasmon-enhanced trapping and spectroscopy

Applicants should have completed (or closer to completion) their undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or related Physical Sciences (preferably with first-class honours or equivalent). Strong analytical and experimental skills are desirable. The project's specifics will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailoring the research to their interests.

The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/chikkaraddy-rohit.aspx), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

The University is actively committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all sections of society. In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Funding, awarded on a competitive basis, is available to UK/EU nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years. Non-EU candidates with the appropriate qualifications will be considered.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button and clearly specify the project's title, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy), and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre. The application deadline is January 10, 2025.

For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk. 

References:

[1] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule mid-infrared spectroscopy and detection through vibrationally assisted luminescence", Nat. Photon. 17, 865–871 (2023).

[2] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Mid-infrared-perturbed molecular vibrational signatures in plasmonic nanocavities". Light: Science & Applications, 11, 19 (2022).

[3] A. Xomalis, X. Zheng, R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Detecting mid-infrared light by molecular frequency upconversion in dual-wavelength nanoantennas". Science, 374, 1268 (2021).

[4] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule strong coupling at room temperature in plasmonic nanocavities", Nature, 535, 127, (2016).

[5] R. Chikkaraddy, Single molecule ready to couple. Nat. Phys. 20, 694–695 (2024).

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