The aim of this project is to develop next-generation radiochromic dye-sensitized polymer films with enhanced sensitivity, stability, and real-time detection capabilities for broad field deployment.
Current radiochromic dosimeters (e.g. silver halide/diacetylene) offer superior performance over traditional scintillators but suffer from post-exposure readout, temperature sensitivity, and degradation over time.1 A novel passive film based on a tetrazolium dye, developed by physics collaborators at QUML, enables visible colour change and smartphone-based quantification, with applications in personal dosimetry, environmental monitoring, drone-based mapping, and nuclear site surveillance.2 However, improvements to the film formulation are urgently needed for field deployment to address:
- Lack of real-time dose readout
- Sensitivity to temperature and environmental conditions
- Ageing and degradation affecting long-term reliability
- Limited sensitivity range (100 μGy to 10 Gy)
We propose to fabricate new, robust films leveraging our existing technologies3,4 through:
- Chemical Modification: Introducing heavier elements and hydrophobic groups to the tetrazolium dyes utilised to reduce temperature sensitivity and ageing.
- Advanced Dye Systems: Employing redox-active, non-toxic viologen and bismuth dyes to enhance sensitivity by up to x >103, with added fluorescence detection (a, b, Fig. 1).
- Gold-Based Complexes: Integrating Au-carbene complexes to exploit superior photophysical properties and modulate photo-response
Eligibility
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science discipline (Chemistry, Materials Science)
Funding
This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is negotiable, from October 2026.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
