FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship: Molecular Quantum Sensors for High-Resolution Immunomagnetic Mapping of Cancer Cells

This 4-year PhD studentship is open to both Home (UK) and international applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year) plus £1,000/annum enhancement, and a research training support grant of up to £20,000 for the full 4-year programme. This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually, the projects that receives the best applicants will be successful.

How precisely can we map molecular markers on a cancer cell? This question is important because the behaviour of cancer cells depends not only on which biomarkers they express and at what levels, but also on where those molecules are located within the cells and how that changes their distribution within their local environment. Conventional fluorescence microscopy provides adequate spatial information, but weak signals can be obscured by natural fluorescence from biological samples.

This PhD project will investigate a different approach by detecting cancer biomarkers through their magnetic rather than fluorescent signatures, using molecular-scale quantum sensors.

Before you apply: Please contact the main project supervisor, Dr Keerthi, to learn more about the project and discuss whether it may be suitable for you.

To be considered for this project you must submit a formal application through our online application portal by following the instructions provided here. Please note that you must select programme FSE PhD President’s Doctoral Scholarship: If you already have an applicant account, use this link to open an application for FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship. If you do not yet have an applicant account, follow the account setup instructions and then use this link to open an application for the correct programme.

When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.