Personalised Coffee: Advanced Coffee Flavour Analysis and Custom Brewing

Description

Applications are invited for a self-funded PhD.

The successful applicant is expected to start in 2025, although this date is negotiable.

Are you passionate about coffee and cutting-edge science? This exciting PhD project offers the opportunity to revolutionise the way we experience coffee by combining advanced analytical techniques, machine learning, and automation.

We aim to develop rapid, high-precision coffee analysis using ambient mass spectrometry and other state-of-the-art technologies, unlocking the secrets of flavour and aroma in real time. This will enable the creation of personalised coffee profiles, tailored to individual preferences optimised for the perfect brew.

As a PhD researcher, you can shape your project by focusing on one of three key areas:

Analytical Science – Developing novel methods and instrumentation for coffee composition analysis.

Data Science & AI – Harnessing machine learning and advanced data processing for flavour profiling.

Automation & Optimisation – Designing real-time sensing and actuation systems for precision brewing.

This interdisciplinary project is ideal for candidates with a background in chemistry, analytical science, data science, engineering, robotics, computer science or a related field. For this interdisciplinary project you will be based in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/mass-spectrometry/) where you will be part of a vibrant research group and have full access to a range of facilities for prototyping (e.g., SLA 3D printer, fibre laser, wax printer, etc.), fabrication (e.g., line dispenser, sputtering system, spin coater, etc.), analysis (e.g., gel imaging system, microscopy, etc.) and testing (e.g., UV-Vis, mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, etc.). If you're eager to push the boundaries of coffee science and technology, we’d love to hear from you!

If you have a strong Bachelor’s degree, Masters degree or relevant experience (e.g., prior project experience, industry experience, or a demonstrable interest in the topic), you are encouraged to enquire. Those with a non-traditional educational background will be considered dependent upon relevant experience in exceptional circumstances.

Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you have your own funding (e.g., scholarship, sponsorship, etc) and are interested, please email Prof Simon Maher (s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk); include a copy of your CV.

Nota bene: this is a self-funded project requiring the applicant to have their own source of funding.