About the Project
A fully funded PhD opportunity to participate in the world-leading research undertaken by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield.
Supervised by Prof Nadav Amdursky and Prof Julia Weinstein.
The University of Sheffield is one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK. We carry out cutting-edge research with strong links to industry. When you enrol to do a PhD with us, you will be working with world-leading academics and have access to top of the range facilities. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to gain skills not only to conduct research, but also to take your career to the next level, whether you want to stay in academia, go into industry or the public sector, or set up your own company. You will have access to a range of training and support services to help you excel in your studies and beyond.
Project Description
Could the molecule of life hold the secret to energy-efficient computing? For decades, scientists attempted to use DNA as an electronic wire, only to find it acts as an electrical insulator over long distances. However, DNA possesses a unique polyanionic backbone and structured hydration shell ideally suited for a completely different charge carrier: the proton.
This PhD project will pioneer "DNA Protonics", which is an unexplored field at the intersection of physical chemistry, biophysics, and nanoelectronics. You will investigate whether DNA can act as a high-efficiency biological proton conductor, uncovering fundamental physical rules governing proton dynamics and translating them into novel organic bio-electronic devices.
What You Will Do
As a PhD researcher on this interdisciplinary project, you will:
- Synthesise Light-Driven Probes: Functionalise DNA strands with light-activated probes to trigger localised proton transfer on demand.
- Perform Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Use picosecond-to-femtosecond laser spectroscopy to track proton diffusion along the DNA double helix in real time.
- Fabricate Nano-Devices: Build protonic field-effect transistors and micro-scale networks in cleanroom facilities, using proton-transparent electrodes to measure long-range proton conduction.
Supervisory Team & Training Environment
You will join a vibrant, international research group led by Prof. Nadav Amdursky within the Faculty of Science. The supervisory team integrates experienced academics and Early Career Researchers (ECRs), providing exceptional hands-on mentoring. Crucially, dedicated Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) with specialist expertise will provide day-to-day coaching in three core areas:
- Organic & Bioconjugation Synthesis: Customising nucleic acids and probe attachments.
- Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy: Operating advanced optics at the Lord Porter Ultrafast Facility.
- Electrical Measurements & Device Fabrication: Cleanroom nanofabrication and impedance spectroscopy.
Impact and Career Development
By unlocking the mechanisms of proton transport in DNA, your findings could explain missing biophysical links in gene regulation and inspire brain-like (neuromorphic) computing components that drastically reduce energy consumption in tech hardware.
You will gain a highly sought-after, multidisciplinary skill set spanning chemical synthesis, advanced physical characterisation, and microfabrication. You will present your work at prestigious national and international conferences, build global networks, and be mentored for a successful trajectory in academia or high-tech industry.
Candidate Profile
We welcome enthusiastic applicants with a strong background in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience, or Biophysics. Both Home and Overseas candidates with strong analytical skills and a passion for multidisciplinary science are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Please refer to the EPSRC DLA webpage for detailed information about the EPSRC DLA and how to apply.
Applicants must ensure that they use the correct application form linked to the EPSRC DLA webpage and must submit an application for October 2027 entry. The form is unique to the EPSRC DLA. It contains the list of advertised projects from which to select, and three questions specific to the DLA.
The application deadline is 17:00 GMT 13 January 2027.
The majority of our DLA studentships will be allocated to candidates who qualify for Home fee status, in accordance with EPSRC funding regulations which place strict limits on international recruitment.
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full tuition fee and a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £21,805 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.