Faculty of Science URSA PhD Project: Functional Biointegrated Micro and Nanolaser Sensors for Tissue and Single-Cell Applications.

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition, for entry in September 2025.

Overview of the Research:

Traditional biosensing techniques, particularly fluorescence-based methods, face significant limitations, including low signal intensity, poor sensitivity, and challenges in effectively detecting signals within complex tissue environments. These constraints restrict their application in real-time biological monitoring and detailed tissue analysis, which are critical for advancing our understanding of biological systems and enhancing clinical outcomes.

Biointegrated microlasers and nanolasers present a promising alternative, offering distinct optical properties and a miniaturised form factor suited for integration into cells and tissue. Unlike fluorescent probes, microlasers emit bright, photostable spectra which encode information about their geometry and the surrounding environment. This capability allows for precise real-time tracking of cellular migration and local environmental changes, such as contraction of cardiac cells, or migration of cells in tumour spheroids, making microlasers a valuable tool for advanced biosensing applications. Despite their potential, the wider adoption of microlaser sensors is hindered by challenges such as accessibility, specificity for targeted biomolecular interactions, and the complexities associated with their fabrication.

In this PhD project, you will investigate novel microlaser and nanolaser geometries and coatings aimed at enhancing specificity and expanding sensing capabilities. Working closely with collaborators in Ireland, Germany, and the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences, leveraging interdisciplinary expertise to drive innovation in the field. Research will focus on developing coatings that ensure that the microlasers respond to specific stimuli. Furthermore, through innovative geometric modifications you will tailor their sensitivity. A central goal of this research will be to pioneer techniques that facilitate in vivo measurements with exceptional precision and versatility.

The successful candidate will have access to our state-of-the-art Nanofabrication facility and the newly established Photonics and Nanoscience Labs at the University of Bath. Depending on your interests and expertise, there will be opportunities to tailor the project to focus on your particular interests including nanofabrication, design of functional coatings, biological experiments, computational modelling of microlasers, or the optimisation of optical setups for rapid and real-time detection in tissue.

I strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations, a variety of perspectives fosters innovation and enhances the research environment.

Keywords:

Biophotonics, Imaging, Microlasers, Nanolasers, Nanofabrication, Spectroscopy, Cell-tracking, functional materials, sensing

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in Physics, Natural Science, Material Science, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry or related scientific relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.

The recruitment process is ongoing, and applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. Please consider applying early.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Soraya Caixeiro – [email protected]

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:

1.      In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath URSA’ as the studentship for which you are applying.

2.      In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes. 

Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website. 

PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

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.