PhD studentship: -generation cancer diagnosis and treatment using integrated snake- rob

PhD studentship:
Next-generation cancer diagnosis and treatment using integrated snake‑like robot with optical imaging

Join to apply for the PhD studentship:
Next-generation cancer diagnosis and treatment using integrated snake‑like robot with optical imaging role at University of Nottingham
.

Supervisors: Prof Ioan Nottingher (School of Physics and Astronomy), Dr George Gordon (Faculty of Engineering), and Dr Abdelkhalick Mohammad (Faculty of Engineering).

Area: Physics & Astronomy

Location: UK Other

Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026

Reference: SCI
3047

Funding: fully-funded (stipend and PhD fees)

Start date: September 2026

Duration: 3.5 years

Subject Area: Biophotonics / Optics / Engineering

The cancer of the bile ducts affects around 3,000 people in the UK each year and its incidence and mortality are increasing. We are seeking a Ph.D. student to join our multidisciplinary team developing a radical solution for better detection and treatment that uses ultra‑thin snake‑like robots and advanced optical imaging techniques. We aim to combine Raman spectroscopy with imaging techniques in optical fibres, hair‑thin pieces of glass, for 3D mapping of cancer tissue.

By integrating visible‑range lasers with fibre‑optic and micro‑imaging modalities, the probe will deliver high‑resolution imaging and molecular Raman sensing, improving diagnosis and enabling localised treatment.

• The chance to work in a world‑class multi‑disciplinary team consisting of physicists, engineers and clinicians: an excellent opportunity for inter‑disciplinary training.
• 3.5 years funding includes stipend and tuition fees for UK students.
• A supportive environment as signatories of the Researcher Development Concordat ().
• The opportunity to produce high‑quality publications.
• Funding for research consumables and travel to international conferences.

• A 1st degree in physics or engineering.
• An interest in optics and some ability in computer programming.
• A desire to learn new skills in complementary disciplines.

You will work jointly between the labs of Prof. Nottingher (expertise in Raman spectroscopy), Dr. Gordon (optical fibre imaging) and Dr. Mohammad (snake‑like medical robots).

For further information: please contact Ioan Nottingher at ioan

Application: