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Are you interested in pursuing a PhD?

Would you like to tackle real-world challenges in food and nutraceutical analysis, using state-of-the-art instrumentation and advanced data handling, to uncover hidden adulteration and ensure consumer safety?

If you're passionate about science with impact, join this cutting-edge PhD project at the intersection of analytical chemistry and food integrity. The project is led by Prof Kate Kemsley and co-supervised by Dr Maria Marin (University of East Anglia) and Dr Lionel Hill (John Innes Centre), with joint funding from UEA and the UK Community for Analytical Measurement Science.

For further information and to apply visit: PhD Fast chemical profiling for detecting fraud in foods and nutraceuticals (KEMSLEYEK_U25SCICAMS) 2025/26 | UEA

FoodBioSystems Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) brings together six university partners: University of Reading, Cranfield University, University of Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast, Aberystwyth University, and Brunel University London.

Project title: Developing next-generation portable rapid tests for food authenticity
Project No: FBS2023-08-Campbell-qr
Lead supervisor: Katrina Campbell, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast
Email: katrina.campbell@qub.ac.uk
Co-supervisors:
Alexander Edwards, University of Reading, Adrian Rogers, Bio-Check (UK)

Deadline for applications: Monday 30 January at 10.00 am (GMT)

The aim of this PhD is to develop a simple effective diagnostic test for the simultaneous multiplex analysis of different animal species for example cow, sheep, porcine, turkey, chicken, equine, donkey and goat that can be used for field-based analysis.

The student will explore the feasibility of adapting current lateral flow immunoassays using several recent developments including, for example:

• improved fluidic configurations;
• smartphone readout using bespoke low-cost illumination systems;
• multiplexing using different combinations of microfluidics.

These innovations will be explored alongside biorecognition element design and assay development for the industrially- and public safety-driven targets.
The PhD conducted mainly at Queen's University Belfast will offer placements at Reading University for biotechnology design and is supported by an industrial partner BIO-CHECK UK who will bring further insight into practical constraints of cost-effective mass-manufacture, marketing and basic business skills for the student.

By applying analytical science to this specific problem, the student will be able to systematically optimise assay performance, at the same time as recognising the pathway to real product development through industrial oversight.

Further information can be found here. 

For more information about DTP, the selection process and what its like to be a DTP student, join their Applicant Webinar on 11 January 2023 (17:00 GMT). Please complete the registration form if you would like to attend.