University of Exeter
6 days ago
PhD Studentship: AI-Enabled Smart Spectroscopy Pixels: Revealing Microbial Responses to Antibiotics University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
PhD studentship at the University of Exeter on AI-enabled smart spectroscopy pixels for revealing how microbes respond to antibiotics.
This interdisciplinary project combines physics, materials engineering, computer science, and bioscience to develop intelligent spectroscopy pixels and advanced photodetectors for biological sensing. The research will use compact quantum and nonlinear photodetector devices, optical and electronic interfaces, microfluidic platforms that trap individual microorganisms, and learning algorithms to extract biological information from complex signals.
The project aims to move from calibrated optical measurements to individual-cell studies, testing whether changes in transmitted or scattered light can reveal antibiotic-induced changes in cellular state. These measurements will be compared with microscopy, growth, viability, and recovery assays to establish the biological meaning and reliability of the optical fingerprints.
The studentship is designed to support training in quantum technologies, optical instrumentation, bacterial culturing, single-cell microfluidics, neural-network development, and experimental validation. It offers a route into computational spectroscopy, AI-enabled biosensing, single-cell biotechnology, and intelligent scientific instrumentation.
Funding is provided by the EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and includes fees plus a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7.
Application deadline: 2026-12-08.
Funding details
Available
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit the required application materials before 2026-12-08. Review the project details carefully and ensure your research interests align with the interdisciplinary scope.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.