MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences
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Fully Funded PhD in Electrochemical Biosensors, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Machine-Learning Diagnostics MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Fully funded for four years, including fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate, through the MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences
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About this position
This fully funded PhD will develop a rapid clinical decision-support technology for emergency bowel surgery. During an operation, surgeons may need to determine within minutes whether a length of bowel is viable. Existing laboratory biochemistry can provide relevant information, but the reported turnaround time is too long for this urgent decision.
The project will create low-cost electrochemical sensors capable of producing quantitative, multi-marker measurements in minutes. It will use molecularly imprinted polymers on inexpensive electrodes and combine multiple noisy sensor signals through machine learning to generate a clinically useful result. The research is intended to translate biochemical measurement into information that a surgeon can act on during emergency care.
The student will work closely with emergency general surgeons and spend structured time in theatre in Liverpool and Manchester. Clinical engagement will help define the practical question the device should answer, ensuring that the sensor system is designed around a genuine surgical need rather than laboratory performance alone. The project also has a clear antimicrobial stewardship dimension.
Supervision is provided by Anthony Chan, Christopher Halloran, Derek Cocker, Christian Macutkiewicz and Sanjiv Sharma within the MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences. The interdisciplinary environment brings together chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, biomedical science, microbiology, pharmacology, computer science and clinical practice.
The project welcomes applicants from diverse scientific and clinical backgrounds, with full training available for those without previous electrochemistry experience.
Funding details
Fully funded for four years, including fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate, through the MRC Northwest Doctoral Programme in Medical Sciences.
What's required
Applicants may come from chemistry, engineering, materials science, biomedical science, microbiology, pharmacology or computer science, as well as clinical or pharmacy backgrounds. Prior electrochemistry experience is not required because full training is provided. The opportunity is open to UK and international applicants, although funded places for international candidates are limited. Applicants are expected to contact the supervisors before applying.
How to apply
Review the project details and application instructions at https://lnkd.in/eAMBSnxX. Contact the supervisors before applying to discuss the project, then submit the application through the programme's specified process before midnight UK time on 27 November 2026.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.