Personalised Coffee: Advanced Coffee Flavour Analysis and Custom Brewing

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.

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.

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.