Development of Vibrational Spectroscopy Platforms for Early Disease Detection

This project aims to develop a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor for early cancer detection, combining advanced nanomaterials, microfluidics, and optical spectroscopy. Early diagnosis is critical for improving cancer outcomes, yet existing screening methods are often invasive, expensive, or insufficiently sensitive at early stages.<br /> <br /> The PhD will focus on designing and optimising SERS-active substrates tailored for biological samples, integrating these within microfluidic platforms, and developing robust measurement protocols for detecting cancer-associated biomarkers. The project will involve a combination of experimental work, including nanofabrication and Raman spectroscopy, and data analysis to distinguish clinically relevant signals from complex biological backgrounds.<br /> <br /> The student will work within a multidisciplinary environment spanning physics, engineering, and biomedical applications, with opportunities to engage in collaborative and translational research. The project aligns with ongoing efforts to develop point-of-care diagnostic technologies suitable for deployment in clinical and resource-limited settings.<br /> <br /> This is an unfunded project. Applicants should have, or be willing to seek, independent funding. The supervisory team will support applications to external funding schemes where appropriate.

<p><meta content="text/html; charset=us-ascii" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <style type="text/css">a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } </style> </p> <p>This PhD project seeks to develop a next-generation Raman based biosensing platform for the early detection of cancer biomarkers in biofluids. The work will build on recent advances in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), where nanostructured materials amplify weak molecular signals, enabling highly sensitive and label-free detection.</p> <p>The research will involve the fabrication and characterisation of SERS active substrates using metallic nanostructures and engineered surfaces designed to maximise signal enhancement and reproducibility. These substrates will be integrated into microfluidic systems to enable controlled handling of small-volume biological samples such as blood plasma or serum.</p> <p>A key component of the project will be the development of measurement protocols and data analysis pipelines capable of distinguishing the surface enhanced Raman spectral differences associated with disease states. The student will also investigate the effects of sample variability, environmental conditions, and substrate design on signal reliability and detection limits.</p> <p>The project is closely aligned with ongoing work on point of care Raman diagnostics and offers opportunities to contribute to translational research with potential clinical impact. The student will be embedded in a dynamic research environment with access to advanced spectroscopy facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration.</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>‘Planned Course of Study’</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select ‘<strong>PHD Physics &  Astronomy Full Time</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> </strong>from<strong> 1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Development of Vibrational Spectroscopy Platforms for Early Disease Detection</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/10335/dr-julia-gala-de-pablo">Dr Julia Gala de Pablo</a></strong><strong> </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early. </p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><meta content="text/html; charset=us-ascii" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <style type="text/css">a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } </style> </p> <p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding. The supervisory team will provide guidance and support in identifying and applying for suitable funding opportunities during the application process and, where appropriate, after enrolment.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Julia Gala de Pablo by emailing <a href="mailto:J.GalaDePablo@leeds.ac.uk">J.GalaDePablo@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions team at <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>