Semiconductor-Based Miniaturized Biosensing Platform for Translational Diagnosis of Cardiorenal Syndrome

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Initial Application deadline: 25 May 2025 

Full Application deadline: 5 June 2025 

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2025

For further details contact:

Dr Haipeng Liu (Coventry University) or Dr Titisha Chakraborty (GITAM)

Introduction

This Fully funded research PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and GITAM (Deemed to be University). Each scholar will receive two doctoral degrees, one from GITAM, one from Coventry University.

Research Scholars receive stipends and full research infrastructure access in both the universities.

The PhD Student will start at GITAM University, with the supervision team drawn from the two universities.

Project details

This project aims to address a critical challenge in point-of-care diagnostics for Cardiorenal Syndrome (CRS). The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine is an important indicator but often affected by variable urine matrix conditions. A flexible, metal-organic frameworks (MOF)-based electrochemical biosensor integrated with a machine learning (ML) model will be developed to accurately measure ACR from human urine samples in different environmental conditions including pH, ionic strength, and temperature, and achieve data-driven early detection of CRS.

The PhD project is based on a multidisciplinary research approach, focusing on nanomaterials and biosensing technology, while the student will be trained in sensor design, data analysis, and machine learning.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who have a strong interest in developing innovative healthcare technologies and has a broad understanding of renal physiology. The PhD project requires working with materials scientist, biomedical engineers, and computer scientists at different stages along the development pathway – and will lead to high-quality publications

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and GITAM for entry to the cotutelle programme.

• Applicants should have a Master’s degree at 55%.
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.