Mechanistic Studies on Cryo-OrbiSIMS and Its Interaction with Complex Materials (MED2037)

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship at UK home rates to join a Leverhulme Trust-funded project investigating how a novel mass spectrometry imaging technique, cryo-OrbiSIMS, interacts with biological molecules such as RNA and proteins.

As a PhD student on this project, you will be at the heart of an exciting interdisciplinary effort to understand how a novel mass spectrometry technique, cryo-OrbiSIMS, interacts with biological molecules. Working closely with our team, you will explore how water matrices, ionic properties, and instrument parameters influence the generation of multiply charged fragments in RNA and protein samples. You will gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge experimental techniques, including OrbiSIMS, Nanopore sequencing, and tandem mass spectrometry, while also developing skills in data analysis and machine learning. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow as a researcher, contribute to high-impact publications, and shape the future of biomolecular imaging.

The project combines experimental science, analytical chemistry, and computational interpretation to uncover new principles in biomolecular imaging. We thus welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and research experience in chemical or physical sciences or biochemistry and who are excited to explore interdisciplinary analytical research. From a prospective student, we would expect a good understanding of molecular structure and interactions and/or experience of analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry, basic computational or numerical skills (e.g. data analysis, coding, or statistics) and strong problem-solving and communication skills

Why Join Us?

Work with the UK’s only university-based OrbiSIMS instrumentCollaborate with leading international experts in mass spectrometry imaging and analysisAccess state-of-the-art facilities and training in mass spectrometry and structural biologyBe part of a supportive, interdisciplinary research environmentPresent your work at national and international conferences 

Further information and Application:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, biomedical sciences, or a related field, or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in similar subjects. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor: aditi.borkar@nottingham.ac.uk 

Candidates should apply online and include a CV.  When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science (36m) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.

Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk .

Interview Date: November 2025

Start Date: 1st April 2026

Closing date: 31st October 2025

Eligibility for Funding: This is a fully funded studentship open only to UK nationals.  

Closing Date: 31 Oct 2025
Category: Studentships