About the Project
Are you passionate about addressing environmental challenges using innovative science? This interdisciplinary project offers a unique opportunity to combine materials science, biology and sensor technology to develop cutting-edge solutions for water pollution monitoring.
Pollution in aquatic environments poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human health. Traditional monitoring techniques are often time-consuming and lack real-time responsiveness. This project tackles these limitations by integrating atomically thin materials, like graphene, with biological components, specifically microalgae, to create biohybrid sensors capable of detecting contaminants like heavy metals and organic pollutants in real-time.
Graphene’s exceptional conductivity, biocompatibility and sensitivity make it an ideal material for developing these advanced bioelectronics. Microalgae, as bioindicators, respond to pollutants by triggering biological signals that can be detected and measured using atomically thin materials. This novel integration of biology and advanced materials promises to revolutionise how we monitor and respond to water pollution.
As a student on this project, you will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technologies, including atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cleanroom-based device fabrication and biosensor design. You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists and biologists, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research techniques and collaborative problem-solving. You will also have the opportunity to present your findings at conferences and contribute to impactful publications.
This project is ideal for a motivated and curious student with a background in physics, materials science or a related field, and an interest in applying science to solve real-world environmental problems. You will be part of a supportive and inclusive research environment, receiving personalised mentorship and training to help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Join us in developing the next generation of environmental monitoring tools and make a tangible impact on global sustainability challenges.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be made by emailing needl@newcastle.ac.uk with:
· a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
· a covering letter – stating your project choice, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application
· copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
· a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required);
· a copy of your passport (photo page).
A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE
Please submit your documents in the following format only:
- each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: [candidate surname, candidate name – [document]]. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – personal statement; Jones, Jamie – BSc transcript.
- Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, personal statement, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
- Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
- Please only send the Application Details Form 2025 as a Word document (not pdf), named as follows: Application Details Form – surname, name.
- When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: NEEDL Application 2025
Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.
Informal enquiries may be made to needl@newcastle.ac.uk
The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 31st March 2025.
Funding Notes
Studentships are funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for 4 years. Funding will cover tuition fees at the UK rate only, a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and stipend. We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
