Advancing Marine Sensing with Novel Surface Plasmon Resonance Techniques for Ocean Monitoring University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Supervisory Team : Dr Rand Ismaeel, Professor Dr Matt Mowlem

Ocean monitoring is a critical aspect of environmental preservation and human survival, as it directly impacts global climate change and the sustainable development of ocean resources. Effective marine sensing requires timely and accurate data collection from various environments, including space, the sea surface, and deep-sea locations. It also necessitates the intelligent integration of data from multiple sensor systems to enable accurate predictions of future environmental conditions and their influence on all forms of life on Earth. This innovative project aims to advance marine sensing technologies by expanding the range of analytes and pollutants that can be detected using a novel surface plasmon resonance technique. This technique has already shown promise in the detection of ocean hydrocarbons and will be further developed for a broader range of applications.

In this project, the successful candidate will optimize sensors for the detection of specific molecules based on key factors, including sensor material and design, compatibility with permeable membranes, sea vehicle specifications (such as payload size, depth, and battery life), geographic conditions (temperature and marine life), water type, depth, and cross-sensitivity with other molecules. The candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team within the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), working alongside world-leading researchers and ocean sensor industries. The project will involve a balance of theoretical and experimental work, with theoretical aspects focusing on numerical modeling of light interaction with permeable membranes and experimental work conducted in both the ORC and NOC facilities. Collaboration with researchers from Imperial College will add an additional dimension of selectivity to the sensor through the use of specialized permeable membranes.

The ideal candidate should have a background in Physics, Photonics, Electronics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with material science backgrounds also encouraged to apply. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the project, the candidate will gain valuable skills across engineering, oceanography, and chemistry. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to engage with the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI), further enriching their research experience in this critical field.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Rand Ismaeel Research Group, Email: [email protected]

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in physics or a closely related discipline. The ideal candidate should have a background in Physics, Photonics, Electronics Engineering, or Chemical Engineering, with material science backgrounds also encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) .

You need to:

• choose programme type (research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

• please select if you will be full time or part time

• choose PhD in Optoelectronics (ORC)

• add Dr Rand Ismaeel as the proposed supervisor in Section 2

Applications should include:

• personal statement

• CV (resumé)

• 2 reference letters

• degree transcripts to date