PhD Studentship: Overcoming the Quantification Problem in Deep Raman Spectroscopy using Advanced Optical Metrology and 3D Phantoms
University of Exeter, United Kingdom
- Institution
- University of Exeter
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Position type
- PhD
- Subject area
- Physics & Astronomy
- Location
- Devon, England, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Fully funded position
Want to be the strongest applicant for this position?
Book a free 15-minute call with our team. We will look at your profile against what University of Exeter is actually looking for, and tell you honestly where you stand and what to strengthen before you apply.
Book a free call about this position →No cost, no obligation. Mentors who have secured funded PhD positions themselves.
How our PhD admission mentorship works →
We mentor STEM applicants only. If your research aspirations are outside STEM subjects, you're very welcome to use this board and apply directly; we just aren't the right people to mentor you.
About this position
Summary:
This PhD project will develop the next generation of hyper realistic animal free phantoms to overcome the "quantification problem" in deep Raman spectroscopy (DRS). This will enable quantitative analysis in future animal studies and varied healthcare applications. By combining time-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (TDDOS), 3D-printed tissue models, and advanced computer simulations, the project will develop tools to measure light propagation and allow drug biodistribution to be quantified non-invasively.
Motivation: While Raman spectroscopy non-destructively reveals detailed chemical information and is being developed for a range innovative healthcare applications (e.g., theranostic nanomedicines and improved pathology), quantifying these signals in complex 3D samples remains a major barrier. Current methods struggle with inconsistent geometries and varying optical properties. By resolving this quantification problem, we can enable longitudinal biodistribution studies that require fewer animals, directly aligning with the 3Rs principles (replace, reduce, refine) for more ethical research.
Project Aims: The student will develop a pipeline to enable quantitative DRS by achieving three key milestones: Develop and validate a time domain diffuse optical spectroscopy device to precisely quantify optical properties—specifically absorption and reduced scattering within the 1st biological optical window. Utilize 3D printing to create highly realistic, animal-free 3D tissue phantoms that accurately replicate the optical properties of living tissues. Combine high resolution photogrammetry with Monte Carlo modelling to simulate light propagation through complex 3D geometries, moving beyond simplistic layered models.
Apply directly to University of Exeter
Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by University of Exeter, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.
Go to the official application page →