Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Hydrogel-Based Bioaerosol Sensing

Overview:

• Qualification type: PhD
• Subject area: Exploring hydrogel-based bioaerosol sensing
• Location/Campus: College Lane Campus, Hatfield
• Start date: March 2025
• Closing application date: 19^th January 2025
• Duration of Contract: 3½ years, full-time

Project outline:

The aim of this project is to develop and investigate cutting-edge hydrogel-based sensing techniques focusing on bioaerosol monitoring devices and functional materials.

Hydrogels are promising for immobilising biomolecules and can be used as responsive materials. They can resist protein and cell adhesion, making them suitable for various biosensing applications. The project will investigate using hydrogel materials to detect low molecular weight molecules, proteins, bacteria, and viruses in solutions. It will combine polymer chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering to explore hydrogel design, suitable assay types and strategies for inclusion, and performance during use. Despite the common use of hydrogels in detecting biomarkers, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals, their use in biosensing bacteria or viruses is less explored, and this project aims to fill that gap.

Rapidly identifying airborne pathogens has become crucial after the pandemic, as reliable capture, quantification, and identification methods may prevent loss of lives, thus reducing the impact on society and economics. Innovative sensing approaches such as hydrogels and biosensors are at the forefront of these advancements. Hydrogels, with their unique properties, provide an efficient medium for capturing airborne pathogens due to their high aqueous content and biocompatibility. These smart materials can be engineered to respond to specific stimuli, making them ideal for use in biosensors.

Biosensors, which integrate biological components and possible integration with electronic systems, enable real-time detection and monitoring of pathogens. Applying hydrogels in biosensors may enhance their sensitivity and specificity, facilitating more accurate and timely pathogen identification. You will develop highly effective public health monitoring systems by incorporating these smart materials. This could lead to timely interventions, ultimately saving lives and mitigating disease outbreaks', and economic repercussions. Advancements in smart biosensor materials offer the prospect of a significant leap forward in our capability to monitor and protect public health.

This PhD is being hosted at the University of Hertfordshire within the Centre for Research in Biodetection Technologies and the new Research England-funded Future Biodetection Technology Hub. You will join a vibrant research community, collaborating with some of the leading researchers in aerosol science. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment within the new SPECTRA building where you will be based. This studentship will partner with University College London (UCL) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Supervisors:

• Principal Supervisor name & email: Dr Nikolay Dimov
• Supervisory Team name & email: Prof Loic Coudron, Prof Ian Johnston
• External supervisor Dr Michael Cook at UCL
• External Industrial support from Dstl.

Eligibility, entry requirements and how to apply: 

The studentship is only open to UK nationals, and offers will be subject to security checks by Dstl. A first or upper-second-class degree in Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, or a relevant physical or natural sciences-related subject.

The full list of requirements and the details for applying, please click the above “Apply” button.

Interviews will take place in early February. 

For informal enquires please email Dr Nikolay Dimov

Funding information: 

The successful candidate will receive a tax-free annual stipend of £19,237 and a fee waiver.

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