Miniature Mass Spectrometry

Overview

Miniaturised mass spectrometry has the potential to revolutionise real-time chemical analysis, making powerful laboratory-grade detection portable and accessible for applications in healthcare, security, environmental monitoring, and beyond.

About this opportunity

Applications are invited for a self-funded PhD in the development of portable mass spectrometry (MS) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) instrumentation. These powerful analytical techniques enable highly sensitive, selective, and rapid chemical detection.

The Mass Spectrometry & Instrumentation (MSI) research group at the University of Liverpool has been at the forefront of bespoke analytical instrumentation development since the 1960s, with expertise in ion mobility and mass spectrometry technologies (MSI Research Group). As part of this vibrant team, based in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics, you will contribute to cutting-edge research in analytical science (Department Homepage).

This PhD will focus on the development of portable mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility instrumentation, with scope to tailor the project based on your interests and expertise. Given the nature of this research, it is likely to result in new inventions, and the University actively supports patent applications and commercialisation opportunities.

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to self-funded UK and international applicants. We are looking for applicants with a strong background and passion for electronics, particularly in:

Electronics design (schematic capture, PCB layout, firmware development)
Embedded systems and circuit design (analogue/digital specialisation welcomed)
Instrumentation and hardware development.

Additional experience in mechanical design, 3D CAD, or 3D printing is desirable but not essential. Candidates should hold a degree in physical sciences, mathematics, or an engineering discipline (e.g., electronic engineering). Master’s students and candidates with relevant industry experience are encouraged to apply. Exceptional applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors

If you have your own funding (e.g., scholarship, sponsorship, etc) and are interested, please email a copy of 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 formal 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 0r £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, eg 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.

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