Advancing Nanotechnology with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
- Supervisors: Prof. Simon Maher
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 nanotechnology, materials science, and cutting-edge analytical techniques? This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to develop next-generation Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technologies, pushing the boundaries of chemical detection and molecular analysis.
SERS is a powerful technique that enables ultrasensitive molecular detection, with applications spanning healthcare, environmental monitoring, security, and advanced materials research. This project provides the flexibility to focus on one of several key research areas, depending on your expertise and interests:
Nanotechnology & Materials Science – Developing and optimising novel SERS substrates for enhanced performance.
Instrument Development – Designing and engineering next-generation SERS-based analytical systems.
Analytical Science – Improving detection sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time measurement capabilities.
Application-Based Research – Applying SERS to solve real-world challenges in medicine, environmental science, and defence/security.
This interdisciplinary project is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in nanotechnology, materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. If you're eager to contribute to groundbreaking research with real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.
The Mass Spectrometry and Instrumentation group at the University of Liverpool are actively developing new Raman-based technologies (patents pending), and we have several opportunities for impactful research in this area.
How to Apply
If you have your own funding (e.g., scholarship, sponsorship, etc) and are interested, please email Prof Simon Maher (s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk) and include a copy of your CV and cover letter.
Please note: This is a self-funded PhD. Applicants must have their own funding source (e.g., government scholarship, self-funding).
Availability
Open to students worldwide
Funding information
Self-funded project
The project is open worldwide, to applicants of any nationality. Please note that this position is unfunded. Therefore, it is required that any applicant should have a funding source in place (e.g., government scholarship, industry sponsorship, self-funding).
The successful applicant will be expected to provide the funding for tuition fees, living expenses, plus a research bench fee of approximately £1500 per year.
Details regarding the PhD tuition fees (i.e., postgraduate research) can be found on the University website.