Marc Kenneth Etherington
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Fully Funded PhD in Programmable Luminescent Tags for Eco-Efficient Photonic Devices Northumbria University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fully funded for four years, including a full UKRI stipend and fees for applicants with Home fee status only. Part-time study is available.
Deadline
Feb 1, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
Northumbria University
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About this position
Northumbria University is offering a fully funded PhD project entitled “Programmable luminescent tags for eco-efficient photonic devices.” The research addresses the need for reusable and ultimately compostable UV sensors for coatings, inks, adhesives, solar panels and electronics, where an incorrect UV dose can cause early failure or wasted energy.
Inspired by quinine, the molecule responsible for tonic water’s fluorescence under UV light, the project will develop new molecules that begin to emit light after receiving a defined UV dose. The PhD researcher will synthesise quinine-inspired emitters designed to glow across the visible spectrum and use spectroscopy to investigate how molecular structure controls their luminescence.
The work will progress from molecular design and synthesis to the construction of working programmable luminescent tags. It combines synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy, luminescent materials, device fabrication and photonic-device development, with a strong focus on eco-efficient and sustainable technologies.
The researcher will join the Etherington Lab at Northumbria University and collaborate with Jonathan Knowles through the EPSRC Renewable Energy Northeast Universities CDT. The training environment includes synthesis, spectroscopy, device fabrication and entrepreneurship. The project also includes placements at Technische Universität Dresden and PRUUVE GmbH, a recent spin-out, providing opportunities to test the developed devices in external research and innovation settings.
This PhD is suited to graduates in chemistry, materials science or a related field who enjoy hands-on synthetic laboratory research.
Funding details
Fully funded for four years, including a full UKRI stipend and fees for applicants with Home fee status only. Part-time study is available.
What's required
Applicants should be graduates in chemistry, materials science, or a related subject and should enjoy synthetic laboratory work. No physics or engineering background is required because training will be provided in the remaining areas. The position is available to applicants with Home fee status for the stated UKRI funding.
How to apply
Review the full project details and application instructions at the linked Etherington Lab page. Submit an application through the process described there by 1 February 2027. Informal enquiries are welcome.
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Professors
Assistant Professor
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Environmental Sustainability
Energy Engineering
Photonic
Materials Science
Luminescent Materials
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.