Developing Next-Generation Marine Sensors Using Intracavity Absorption Spectroscopy for Advanced Ocean Monitoring University of Southampton in United Kingdom

Supervisory team : Dr Ran Ismaeel, Dr Matt Mowlem

Our oceans, covering 71% of the Earth’s surface, remain largely unexplored, yet they are critical to understanding global challenges like climate change and sustainable resource development. Ocean monitoring, enhanced by innovative sensing technologies, is essential to meet these challenges. However, achieving net-zero demands a new generation of compact, efficient sensors.

This exciting PhD project focuses on advancing single-wavelength intracavity absorption spectroscopy for marine sensing. This cutting-edge technique, proven for hydrocarbon detection, will be optimized to detect specific analytes or pollutants. Key aspects include:

Designing sensor materials and ensuring compatibility with permeable membranes.

Adapting sensors for varying environmental conditions like temperature, water type, and depth.

Integrating sensors with sea vehicles considering payload size, depth, and battery constraints.

Addressing cross-sensitivity to enhance detection accuracy.

You will join a multidisciplinary team within the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and National Oceanography Centre (NOC), collaborating with leading industry partners and researchers from Imperial College London. Your work will combine theoretical modeling of light-membrane interactions with hands-on sensor fabrication (ORC) and testing/calibration (NOC). A specific focus will be on developing selective membranes to expand sensor capabilities.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage with Southampton’s Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI), broadening your research scope and connections.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in one of the following:

• physics
• photonics
• electronic engineering
• chemical engineering
• material science

or a closely related discipline.

You need to be passionate about environmental sustainability and cutting-edge research.

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
• choose “PhD ORC”
• insert the name of the supervisor Dr Rand Ismaeel in section 2 of the application form

Applications should include:

• personal statement
• CV (resumé)
• 2 reference letters
• degree transcripts or certificates to date