PhD Position in Chemical Engineering

Institution: University of Nottingham – Faculty of Engineering, Optics and Photonics Research Group

Location: UK

Reference: ENG
308

Closing Date: Open until filled

This PhD aims to image the centre of a live, intact plant root for the first time using cutting‑edge optical microscopy and AI-informed wavefront correction techniques
.

Overcomes the long‑standing problem of light distortion and scattering in plant roots.

Enables visualization of dynamic cellular processes critical for:

• Plant resilience to drought, salinity, and waterlogging
• Responses to fungal infections
• Nanoparticle uptake and other physiological studies

Combines hands‑on optics experimentation
, AI and machine learning, and plant biology.

Multidisciplinary collaboration across Engineering, Computer Science, and Biosciences
.

Enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and resourceful team player.

1st or 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field:

• Physics
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science

Desirable skills: understanding of optics
, machine learning
, or coding (Python/MATLAB/etc.).

Interest in multidisciplinary research and hands‑on experimentation.

Amanda Wright – Optics and Photonics Research Group

Mike Somekh – Optics and Photonics Research Group

Mike Pound – Computer Vision, Computer Science

Darren Wells – Plant and Crop Biophysics, School of Biosciences

Funding sought after candidate selection (home tuition + UKRI stipend).

Access to state‑of‑the‑art optical microscopes and facilities in Engineering and Biosciences.

Training through the Researcher Academy
, including paper writing, networking, and career development.

Inclusive, supportive research environment with strong community and industrial links
.

Contact: Amanda Wright to submit CV and supporting statement.

In your application, please refer to