Non-invasive, spectroscopic methods to detect key protein biomarkers for point-of-care testing

Help shape the future of diagnostics in this innovative 4-year Graduate Teaching PhD project focused on developing a non-invasive, spectroscopic method to detect key protein biomarkers for point-of-care testing. Ideal for candidates with a background in chemistry or related fields, this research bridges analytical science and healthcare to enable rapid, low-maintenance diagnostics in clinical and resource-limited settings.

Start date

1 January 2026

Duration

4 years

Application deadline

Funding information

UKRI Standard Stipend - £20,780 per year for 2025/26 academic year. 

About

Proteins are key biomarkers, indicative of normal biological or pathogenic processes and responses to intervention. Identification and quantification of such molecules in biological fluids is undoubtedly of clinical utility in diagnostics and therapeutics. Current practices, in research and clinic, for protein sampling are invasive (blood, plasma or serum samples are used due to their protein abundancy). Protein identification methods are not easily translated into a point-of-care (POC) testing given the laborious, time-consuming and sophisticated nature of currently available techniques. 

A POC device will require an easily operable and user-friendly detection technique to identify targets of interest with minimal training or specialized equipment. The goal is to enable rapid, reliable results directly at the site of patient care or field testing, without the need for complex laboratory infrastructure. This demands a detection method that is robust, low-maintenance, and capable of delivering clear, actionable outputs, even in resource-limited settings. Confocal Raman spectroscopy is capable of detecting chemicals with minimal sample treatment, non-invasively. The primary objective of this project is to develop a clear and reliable spectroscopic method for detecting and quantifying minimally-resolved key biomarkers across various separation media, with the aim of eventual integration into a point-of-care device.

The project would be ideally suited for someone with a strong chemistry or closely related background and an interest and in analytical and biological chemistry.

Eligibility criteria

Open to any UK or international candidates.

Candidates should have a strong background and first degree in chemistry or pharmaceutical sciences or a closely related subject (BSc/MChem/MSc). Industrial experience, such as through an undergraduate placement or employment, would be advantageous.

This is a 4-year Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentship, with a slightly higher teaching requirement alongside the PhD studies and would particularly suit someone with an interest in future education/teaching as well as research, such as academia. Full training will be provided.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Chemistry PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor. You should also include details of previous experience and why you are applying for this specific project, including the teaching element.

Chemistry PhD

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Application deadline

Contact details

Nota Zarmpi
E-mail: p.zarmpi@surrey.ac.uk
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