About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT, hosted by the University of Bath for entry in September 2026.
Overview of the Research:
This PhD project integrates two complementary approaches for detecting and monitoring heavy metals— both directly through chemical sensing and indirectly through correlations with biological stress biomarkers associated with metal exposure, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Pollution from hazardous heavy metals poses severe risks to environmental and human health. Pollutants enter coastal and inland waters either directly from industrial and agricultural point sources or via riverine transport. UKHSA identifies cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc as five of the most hazardous substances impacting UK ecosystems, making their detection an environmental imperative. The research will create a new paradigm in fluorescent molecular sensing with a single modular platform for real-time detection of these toxic metals and their biochemical biomarkers in UK freshwater systems. Building on aza-BODIPY, cypate-family and naphthalimide-based fluorophores (currently being sustainably synthesised in our laboratories on gram scales), the first work-package (WP1) will develop pattern-based fluorescent sensor arrays functionalised targeted for Cd²⁺ binding and validate these in the presence or absence of the other four key heavy-metal ions. Multivariate data analysis using principal component (PCA) and linear discriminant (LDA) methods will classify spectral signatures for metal identification and quantification in complex matrices. The second, dovetailed module (WP2) will design antisense PNA probes targeting metallothionein (MT)- specific mRNAs, key biochemical indicators of Cd2+ and Zn2+ stress. These PNAs, coupled with fluorescence and electrochemical transduction and anchored on graphene oxide substrates, will form hybrid lab-on-chip biosensors. Validation will be undertaken using zebrafish models (Bath) and water samples from RED-ALERT Living Labs, focussing on TaffTaff/Ely, followed by Cam/Wellow, Conwy, Exe/Tamar. The integrated platform bridges chemical detection with biological response monitoring, establishing a foundation for digital, multimodal early-warning systems. Outputs will provide real-time molecular diagnostics of organismal stress and actionable data for sustainable freshwater management.
Training Provided:
The PhD student will gain interdisciplinary expertise in molecular probe synthesis, fluorescence assays including lifetime, peptide nucleic acid design, analytical chemistry and electrochemical sensing, graphene materials, bioinformatics, and environmental field validation. Training integrates chemistry, biology, engineering, and data analytics, supported by RED-ALERT’s cross-institutional and industry network with iGii (Integrated Graphene Ltd).
Interdisciplinarity:
This project integrates synthetic chemistry, molecular biology, environmental science, integrated data analysis, and materials engineering. It couples fluorophore-based metal detection with PNA biomarker sensing on graphene supports. Through joint supervision between Bath and Cardiff, and industrial collaboration with iGii, it exemplifies RED-ALERT’s interdisciplinary systems approach to environmental health, bridging molecules, organisms, and ecosystems.
Project Description Objectives and work packages/milestones:
1. Develop a NIR fluorophore sensor array for multiplexed detection of Cd(II) and Zn(II)
2. Design and synthesise antisense PNA probes targeting MT-specific mRNA biomarkers of Cd(II)/Zn(II) pollutant-induced stress.
3. Integrate PNA sensors with graphene oxide electrodes for electrochemical and fluorescent readout.
4. Validate both sensing modules in zebrafish and freshwater samples from Living Lab.
5. Combine datasets for multimodal environmental fingerprinting and develop structure-activity correlation for optimum device architecture/prototype design.
Project Keywords: Biomarker detection, analytical chemistry, metal sensing, lab-on-a-chip
Industrial Partner: Marco Caffio (iGii), Marco.c@igii.uk
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject – e.g. chemistry, chemical engineering, biophysics, biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, biochemistry, etc. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
*Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement prior to a formal offer being made.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a NERC Red-ALERT studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6) and access to a training support budget.
