Project Description: This project is in the exciting interdisciplinary area of label-free imaging and its applications in biological and chemical analysis. Current techniques used in biology either do not give molecule (chemical) specific information or rely on tagging fluorophores/dyes to enable visualisation and in addition, are invasive and/or destructive. In electrochemistry/catalysis while bulk (ensemble averaged) phenomenon is measured local changes on surfaces are not visualised due to lack of complementary and chemical specific imaging techniques. In this project the aim is to develop vibrational ‘chemically selective’ imaging techniques for bio- and (electro)-chemical applications. Techniques based on coherent Raman scattering (CRS), which are vibrational finger-printing techniques, and much more powerful than conventional spontaneous Raman spectroscopy will be used. In CRS the signals are much stronger to allow in situ real-time imaging yet can be as informative and chemically selective as Raman spectroscopy. Thus, both in biology and surface science, the ability to do chemically selective imaging at the typical sub-micron (or lower) spatial resolution of CRS techniques can yield an advanced understanding of phenomena inside cells and on electrode/catalytic surfaces, respectively. Thus in this project applications of chemically selective micro-/nano-scopic CRS imaging techniques will be explored and developed to demonstrate their utility in bringing about a step change in our understanding of phenomena in the fields of biology and surface science and their combinations thereof.
The above studentship project is funded jointly through a European Research Council (ERC) grant (http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/193564_en.html) and the Department of Chemistry at the University of Southampton. The student will join a highly interdisciplinary project team and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories of the group as well that available around the University.
The BioNanoPhotonics group led by Dr. Mahajan (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/chemistry/about/staff/sm13g12.page?) has its labs located in the Institute of Life Sciences (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/ifls), which promotes interdisciplinary research across the University. Overall the student can expect to become experts in spectroscopy, chemical imaging, microscopy and their interdisciplinary application to biological and surface chemistry phenomena probed during the PhD. They will indeed also learn a variety of data and image analysis techniques, develop strong problem solving skills and will be able to apply research ideas for practical implementation in the lab.
The project is fully funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from UK and EU nationals who have or expect to obtain a first or at least an upper second class degree in Chemistry or Physics or allied subjects/relevant disciplines. Applicants with a Master’s degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) degree and/or with some research experience relevant to this project are particularly encouraged to apply. Enthusiasm to work in a highly dynamic and interdisciplinary environment with a strong interest in spectroscopy or microscopy and their applications is vital. The funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ £14,296 (16/17) per annum.
Due to funding restrictions this position is open to UK and EU applicants only
Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Chemistry should be submitted online at https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4990&majr=4990&term=201617
General enquiries should be made to Dr Sumeet Mahajan at s.mahajan@soton.ac.uk. Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Closing Date: 09 Sep 2016
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)