Details
How precisely can we map molecular markers on a cancer cell? This question is important because the behaviour of cancer cells depends not only on which biomarkers they express and at what levels, but also on where those molecules are located within the cells and how that changes their distribution within their local environment. Conventional fluorescence microscopy provides adequate spatial information, but weak signals can be obscured by natural fluorescence from biological samples.
This PhD project will investigate a different approach by detecting cancer biomarkers through their magnetic rather than fluorescent signatures, using molecular-scale quantum sensors. Current quantum magnetic microscopes commonly employ nitrogen-vacancy defects within diamond. These are powerful sensors, but maintaining their quantum properties close to the diamond surface is challenging. Because nanoscale magnetic fields decrease rapidly with distance, even small separations between sensor and sample reduce sensitivity and spatial precision. This project will employ individual organic spin-active molecules positioned at well-defined, very shallow locations on atomically thin hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). These molecules act as quantum sensors closer to the magnetic source, providing enhanced access to weak and highly localised fields. This builds on recent advances in molecular spin sensing and emerging very-near-surface quantum-imaging platform.
The student will pursue three linked objectives. First, they will prepare hBN/molecular heterostructures containing triplet-active organic molecules and determine how molecular structure, encapsulation and local environment influence optical properties and spin coherence. Training will include synthesis of organic phosphors, exfoliation of two-dimensional material (hBN) and transfer, molecular deposition, nanofabrication, fluorescence spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance.
Second, the student will use optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) microscopy to control molecular spin states using light and microwaves. Defined magnetic nanoparticles will provide nanoscale test fields, allowing sensitivity, spatial resolution, noise and stability to be quantified and compared with established diamond sensors.
Third, working within FBMH, the student will translate the optimised sensors to immunomagnetic imaging of cancer cells in tissue biopsies. Magnetic nanoparticles coupled to cancer cell-specific molecular markers will provide target-selective signals, with fluorescence microscopy providing an independent comparison. The studies will explore whether different magnetic labels or sensor responses can enable multiplexed mapping of more than one biomarker.
The project provides an unusually broad doctoral training environment spanning chemistry, two dimensional materials, quantum physics, electrical engineering, microscopy and cancer biology. Keerthi will lead molecular/materials design and nanofabrication; Jones will lead quantum sensing, instrumentation and ODMR; and Batta will lead cancer biology, biomarker labelling and biological validation. The student will therefore learn not simply techniques from three disciplines, but how to integrate them to answer a single scientific question.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: You should contact the project supervisors to learn more about the project and discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project, you must submit a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account, use this link to open an application for FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship. If you do not yet have an applicant account, follow the account setup instructions. Once your account is set up, use this link to open an application for this programme.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: Applicants are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Biophysics or a closely related discipline. Experience in one or more of optical spectroscopy, two-dimensional materials, molecular synthesis, nanofabrication, microscopy, magnetic resonance or quantum technologies is desirable but not essential. Applicants should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research spanning the physical and biomedical sciences; training in the required specialist techniques will be provided.
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year) plus £1,000/annum enhancement, and a research training support grant of up to £20,000 for the full 4-year programme.
