PhD Position in Chemical Engineering (University of Nottingham)

Institution: University of Nottingham – Faculty of Engineering, Optics and Photonics Research Group Location: UK Reference: ENG308 Closing Date: Open until filled Project Overview 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. Candidate Profile Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and resourceful team player. 1st or 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field: Physics Electrical/Electronic Engineering Computer Science Biosciences Desirable skills: understanding of optics, machine learning, or coding (Python/MATLAB/etc.). Interest in multidisciplinary research and hands-on experimentation. Supervision 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 & Environment 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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Institution: University of Nottingham – Faculty of Engineering, Optics and Photonics Research Group
Location: UK
Reference: ENG308
Closing Date: Open until filled

Project Overview

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.

Candidate Profile

Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and resourceful team player.
1st or 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field:
- Physics
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Biosciences
Desirable skills: understanding of optics, machine learning, or coding (Python/MATLAB/etc.).
Interest in multidisciplinary research and hands-on experimentation.

Supervision

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 & Environment

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.