Laser Cleaning for the Surface Treatment and Analysis of Parchment (AHRC CDP PhD Studentship) Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This fully funded AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) PhD studentship, hosted jointly by Imperial College London and The National Archives, offers a unique opportunity to advance the science of laser cleaning for parchment conservation. The project addresses the urgent need for robust, evidence-based evaluation of laser cleaning technologies within the heritage sector, focusing on their effects on proteinaceous materials such as parchment. While laser cleaning is increasingly adopted for archival materials, its impact on material integrity and chemical structure remains poorly understood.

The research will combine advanced photonics, analytical chemistry, and conservation practice to investigate the material, chemical, and ethical implications of laser-based surface treatment. Students will work with unique collections and conservation expertise at The National Archives—the official archive for the UK Government and for England and Wales—developing scientific understanding of laser–parchment interactions and contributing to guidance for safe and responsible adoption of laser cleaning within archival workflows.

The PhD will systematically investigate laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, fluence, repetition rate) and their effects on parchment substrates. The research will employ real-time ambient mass spectrometry and other advanced analytical techniques to monitor contaminant removal, potential substrate alteration, and environmental conditions from when the document was created. Key aspects include chemical and structural characterisation of treated materials, development of real-time analytical approaches to distinguish cleaning from damage, and establishment of safe operating thresholds across different parchment types and degradation states.

Students will have flexibility in choosing specific case studies and analytical approaches, allowing them to shape aspects of the project based on their interests. Research questions include: How do laser parameters affect the chemical and structural integrity of parchment? Can real-time analytical monitoring distinguish between contaminant removal and unintended substrate modification? What are safe and repeatable operating thresholds? How can laser cleaning be responsibly integrated into conservation decision-making?

Training will be provided by a multidisciplinary supervisory team: Dr Robbie Murray (Department of Physics, Imperial College London), Prof Zoltan Takats (Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London), Giorgia Genco (Conservation Treatment Manager, The National Archives), and Dr Marc Vermeulen (Head of Heritage Science, The National Archives). The student will be based across both institutions, gaining experience in photonics and analytical chemistry research environments, as well as a national heritage institution. Access to conservation studios, analytical laboratories, and hands-on experimental work—including laser system development and surface treatment studies—will be provided.

As part of the CDP programme, the student will join a national cohort of doctoral researchers working across the heritage sector, with access to training and development opportunities. A placement (typically 1–3 months) at The National Archives will form part of the studentship.

Eligibility: Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Conservation Science, or a closely related experimental discipline, or equivalent experience. Candidates must demonstrate interest in experimental research and analytical techniques, show an interest in heritage or conservation science, and be willing to work across both Imperial College London and The National Archives. The studentship is open to both Home and International applicants; international applicants must cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees. UKRI eligibility criteria apply for Home status. The studentship can be undertaken full-time or part-time.

Funding: CDP doctoral training grants fund full-time studentships for 48 months (or part-time equivalent). The award covers home tuition fees up to the UKRI full-time home rate (£5,238 for 2026/27). International students must self-fund the difference between home and overseas fees (£31,400 in 2025/26). Stipend: £21,805/year + £2,000 London Weighting, and an additional £600/year for CDP students. Up to £4,000 in research-related expenses from The National Archives.

Application process: Submit your application via the Imperial College online system. Select 'Physics PhD Research' and specify Dr Robert Murray as the proposed supervisor. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Murray to discuss the project informally. Interviews are expected to take place in late June. For further information or support, contact Dr Robert Murray ([email protected]) or Giorgia Genco ([email protected]).