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University of Birmingham

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PhD Studentship: Sense-treat-erase Metal Organic Frameworks for Autonomous Crop Protection University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Available

Deadline

Nov 23, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Birmingham

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Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Biology
Plant Pathology
Crop Protection

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About this position

[PhD studentship funded by BBSRC through the Midlands Integrated Biosciences Training Partnership, in partnership with the University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, Aston University, Harper Adams University, Coventry University, and the University of Leicester.]

PhD Studentship: Sense-treat-erase Metal Organic Frameworks for Autonomous Crop Protection at the University of Birmingham.

This PhD project explores a new approach to crop protection using sprayable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that can detect early plant stress, release a protective treatment only when needed, confirm activation, and then break down into safer, non-persistent products. The motivation is to reduce routine chemical use, cut off-target exposure and residues, and improve sustainable crop resilience.

The research asks whether one material can combine sensing, treatment delivery, reporting, and safe end-of-life behavior in a single platform. The project will investigate plant stress signals such as hydrogen peroxide, acidity changes, and pathogen-response genes to find a threshold that reliably distinguishes healthy from affected plants. Candidate MOFs will be prepared as leaf sprays and tested under healthy, stress, and pathogen conditions.

Methodologically, the project will assess detection accuracy, unintended leakage, treatment release, activation signaling, plant health, and material breakdown. Results will be compared against untreated plants, free treatment, empty material, non-responsive material, and breakdown-product controls. Statistical modelling will link the stress signal to activation, release, plant response, and material removal.

This studentship is part of the Midlands Integrated Biosciences Training Partnership and is funded by BBSRC in partnership with the University of Warwick, Aston University, Harper Adams University, Coventry University, and the University of Leicester.

Application deadline: 23 November 2026.

Contact/application email: [email protected]

Funding details

Available

How to apply

Apply by email to [email protected]. Use the application email subject provided in the posting and submit before the deadline.

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