Advancing Nanotechnology with Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)

Overview

Are you passionate about nanotechnology, materials science, and cutting-edge analytical techniques? This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to develop next-generation Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technologies, pushing the boundaries of chemical detection and molecular analysis.

About this opportunity

SERS is a powerful technique that enables ultrasensitive molecular detection, with applications spanning healthcare, environmental monitoring, security, and advanced materials research. This project provides the flexibility to focus on one of several key research areas, depending on your expertise and interests:

Nanotechnology and Materials Science – Developing and optimising novel SERS substrates for enhanced performance
Instrument Development – Designing and engineering next-generation SERS-based analytical systems
Analytical Science – Improving detection sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time measurement capabilities
Application-Based Research – Applying SERS to solve real-world challenges in medicine, environmental science, and defence/security.

This interdisciplinary project is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in nanotechnology, materials science, physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. If you’re eager to contribute to ground-breaking research with real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.

The Mass Spectrometry and Instrumentation group at the University of Liverpool are actively developing new Raman-based technologies (patents pending), and we have several opportunities for impactful research in this area.

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants.

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors

If you have your own funding (for example, scholarship or sponsorship) and are interested in this project, please email your CV and cover letter to Professor Simon Maher in the first instance: s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk.
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. 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 deadline for applications is 1 October 2025.

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 stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

* 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

This is a self-funded PhD. 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. Applicants must source their own funding source, for example government scholarship, self-funding.

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.

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

s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk