P Estrela

This fully funded PhD position at the University of Bath, within the NERC Red-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training, offers an exciting opportunity to develop advanced biosensors for heavy-metal detection and biomarker monitoring in UK freshwater systems. The project integrates direct chemical sensing of hazardous metals (cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, zinc) with indirect detection via biological stress biomarkers, addressing urgent environmental and public health challenges as identified by the UK Health Security Agency. Research will focus on creating a modular fluorescent molecular sensing platform, leveraging aza-BODIPY, cypate-family, and naphthalimide-based fluorophores. The first work package involves developing and validating pattern-based fluorescent sensor arrays for selective Cd²⁺ detection, using multivariate data analysis (PCA, LDA) to classify and quantify metals in complex matrices. The second module designs antisense peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes targeting metallothionein mRNAs, key indicators of cadmium and zinc stress, and integrates these with graphene oxide-based lab-on-chip biosensors for both fluorescence and electrochemical readout. Validation will be performed using zebrafish models and water samples from RED-ALERT Living Labs across several UK river systems. The project aims to bridge chemical detection with biological response monitoring, laying the groundwork for digital, multimodal early-warning systems for freshwater management. Outputs will provide real-time molecular diagnostics and actionable data for ecosystem health. Students will receive interdisciplinary training in molecular probe synthesis, fluorescence assays, PNA design, analytical and electrochemical sensing, graphene materials, bioinformatics, and environmental field validation. The project is jointly supervised by experts from Bath and Cardiff and includes industrial collaboration with Integrated Graphene Ltd (iGii). Applicants should have a strong background in chemistry, chemical engineering, biophysics, biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, or biochemistry, with a First or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent). A master’s degree is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet English language requirements. The position is open to diverse candidates, and the university encourages applications from under-represented groups. Funding is available for 3.5 years, covering tuition, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6), and a training support budget. The application deadline is January 19, 2026. Apply via the RED-ALERT CDT online application form. For more information, visit the project link or contact the industrial partner at [email protected].

This PhD project, hosted by the University of Bath within the NERC Red-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training, aims to develop a portable, low-cost device for the rapid in situ detection of electrochemically-active pollutants in water, using diazinon as a case study. Diazinon is a highly toxic organophosphate, and its detection at low concentrations in river water is critical for environmental protection and compliance with freshwater Environmental Quality Standards. The research will focus on integrating sample pre-concentration using functionalised magnetic beads, advanced electrochemical sensing (such as voltametric methods), and cloud-based data transmission. Key tasks include assessing the toxicity of diazinon to UK freshwater invertebrates, developing and optimising electrochemical sensors, automating analysis and data processing, enhancing detection limits through analyte pre-concentration, adapting the technology for other pollutants, and creating a multiplexed sensor prototype. This interdisciplinary project merges expertise in electrochemistry, sensor development, basic electronics, ecotoxicology, and technology translation for water pollution assessment. Students will receive comprehensive training in engineering systems, microfluidics, biomolecular immobilisation, device development, ecotoxicology, data analysis, and interdisciplinary communication. Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, chemistry, or biochemistry. A master’s degree is advantageous, and non-UK applicants must meet English language requirements. The project is open to diverse candidates and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Funding is available through the NERC Red-ALERT studentship, covering tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6), and a training support budget for 3.5 years. The application deadline is January 19, 2026, and applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form. For more information, visit the project link or contact the industrial partner at [email protected].

This PhD project at the University of Bath focuses on the automated sensing and identification of chemical and pathogen markers in wastewater, a critical area for advancing water-based epidemiology and public health protection. The research aims to develop a combined sampling and sensing system capable of near real-time, broad monitoring of pathogens and chemicals at wastewater treatment plants and near-source locations such as hospitals, prisons, universities, and care homes. Key research questions include the creation of a digital fingerprint of water quality, understanding the relationships between multiple markers and environmental parameters, and improving the security and efficiency of near-source sample collection using existing wastewater infrastructure. The system will integrate environmental sensors (measuring flow rate, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity) with membrane sensors in a multi-stage filter stack to capture a wide range of chemical and pathogen markers. These membranes, made from tailored polymer materials, will detect biomarkers such as pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, and disease indicators. The project will also develop a cloud-based data platform to aggregate information from distributed sensors, enabling high-resolution, continuous environmental monitoring. The hardware will be designed for 24-hour deployment, featuring self-contained power, miniaturized sensors, and onboard data logging, with a focus on low-maintenance and secure operation. Research will address challenges in sensor miniaturization, membrane packaging, and the production of low-cost disposable components. The studentship is part of the Centre of Excellence in Water-Based Early-Warning Systems for Health Protection (CWBE), offering the opportunity to contribute to the development of future early warning systems for environmental and public health. Funding is available through a University of Bath studentship, covering tuition fees, a stipend, and a training support budget for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant field, with a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent), and meet English language requirements if applicable. The application process requires submission through the University of Bath’s online portal, with specific instructions for selecting the studentship and referencing the project and supervisor. The university values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups.