S Pascu

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].

Project Overview: The University of Bath is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Department of Chemistry focused on developing next-generation chemical tools to find and destroy cancer. This interdisciplinary project is part of the URSA studentship competition for entry in September 2026 and aims to address one of the most pressing challenges in global cancer control: delivering site-specific, destructive therapeutic payloads with unprecedented precision. Research Focus: The successful candidate will design, synthesize, and characterize modular systems that integrate diagnostics and therapeutics within a single construct. The project’s objectives include recognizing tumour-specific biomarkers, generating ultra-early diagnostic signals, and releasing cytotoxic or modulatory payloads only upon activation within diseased tissue. By uniting biomarker sensing with controlled drug release, the research seeks to enable real-time tumour detection and highly targeted therapy, potentially identifying malignant progression years before clinical symptoms appear. Training & Environment: This PhD offers exceptional interdisciplinary training across synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology, chemical biology, and cancer diagnostics. The student will be positioned at the forefront of translational nanomedicine, with opportunities to contribute to high-impact research outputs and meaningful societal benefit. The project aligns with global priorities in precision oncology and cancer treatment. Funding: The position is funded by a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years, covering tuition fees, a generous stipend (£20,780 per annum in 2025/6), and access to a training support budget. Studentships are open to both Home and exceptional International students. Please note that international funding does not cover relocation, visa, or UK healthcare surcharge costs. Eligibility: Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline. The university values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Application Process: Formal applications must be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemistry before the closing date. In the 'Funding your studies' section, select 'University of Bath URSA' as the studentship. In the 'Your PhD project' section, quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name. Early application is recommended as the position may close before the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. Contact & Further Information: Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Prof Tony James. For more details and to apply, visit the project page: FindAPhD Project Link . References: Recent publications relevant to the project include: 'Near-Infrared Conjugated Macrocyclic BODIPYs for Photothermal Cancer Therapy' Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2025, 64, e202511125. 'Advances in Organic Small Molecule-Based Fluorescent Probes for Precision Detection of Liver Diseases: A Perspective on Emerging Trends and Challenges' J. Am. Chem. Soc, 2025, 147, 9001-9018. 'Functional D- and L-Naphthalenediimide-Peptides: Microwave-Driven Synthesis, Supramolecular Aggregation, and Multiphoton Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy in Living Cells' ACS Bio Med Chem Au. 2025, DOI link . Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The University of Bath is committed to fostering an inclusive research environment and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. If you have circumstances that have affected your educational attainment, you are encouraged to mention them in your application.