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Personalised Coffee: Advanced Coffee Flavour Analysis and Custom Brewing

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Year round
Subject area
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
How to apply
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We’re currently showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from United Kingdom.

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If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Overview

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.

About this opportunity

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 and AI – Harnessing machine learning and advanced data processing for flavour profiling.
  • Automation and optimisation – Designing real-time sensing and actuation systems for precision brewing.

For this interdisciplinary project you will be based in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, 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!

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

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.  This interdisciplinary project is ideal candidates with a background in chemistry, analytical science, data science, engineering, robotics, computer science or a related field. If you have a strong Bachelor’s degree, master’s 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.

Further reading

Mass Spectrometry & Instrumentation Group.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    If you have your own funding (e.g., scholarship, sponsorship, etc) and are interested, please email a copy of your CV to Professor Simon Maher in the first instance: s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

  • Full time UK fee: £5,006 per year
  • Full time international fee: £31,250 or £24,600 per year.*

Fees apply to academic year 2025/26.

* Please note: if you’re an international student undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the fee you pay will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others, for example if you’re required to undertake laboratory work. You’ll be informed of the fee for your intended PhD in your offer letter.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project.

Funding your PhD

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 £1,500 per year.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.
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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Professor Simon Maher
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