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Advancing Paper-Arrow Mass Spectrometry for Rapid, Non-Invasive Diagnostics

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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Overview

Are you passionate about cutting-edge analytical science, biofluid sampling, real-world medical applications, point-of-care testing (POCT), novel biomedical sensors or clinical diagnostics? This self-funded PhD offers an exciting opportunity to develop Paper-Arrow Mass Spectrometry (PA-MS) – a ground-breaking technique for rapid, non-invasive and portable clinical analysis.

About this opportunity

PA-MS has already demonstrated its potential for emergency medicine and point-of-care diagnostics, including paracetamol overdose detection and saliva-based drug screening in collaborations with clinical colleagues at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are looking for PhD candidates to advance this technology further in one of the following directions:

  • Novel Microfluidic Sampling Methods – Developing seamless, accurate techniques for collecting non-invasive biofluids like saliva or minimally invasive finger-prick blood.
  • Analytical Method Development – Enhancing PA-MS for On-site Clinical Use.
  • Portable PA-MS as a POCT – Working with industrial collaborators to develop a functional prototype integrating Paper Arrow with a Portable Mass Spectrometer.
  • New Applications – Exploring PA-MS in various clinical diagnostic scenarios.

This interdisciplinary project can be tailored for candidates with backgrounds in analytical chemistry, biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, physics, clinical sciences, or related fields. If you’re excited about pioneering rapid diagnostic technologies with real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.

Who is this opportunity for?

The project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants of any nationality.

If you have a strong undergraduate degree, master’s degree or relevant experience (for example, 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.

Further reading

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    If you have your own funding (for example, scholarship, sponsorship) and are interested, please email your CV and cover letter 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 deadline for applications is 1 October 2025. The successful applicant is expected to start in 2025, although this date is negotiable. Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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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 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

Please note that this position is unfunded. Therefore, it is required that any applicant should have a funding source in place, for example 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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