The University of Strathclyde is pleased to be able to offer a project on the research and development of innovation nanomanufacturing processes. The position is hosted by the Centre of Precision Manufacturing (CPM) at Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM). The CPM is an internationally leading research centre in advanced manufacturing technology for improving the economic and technical performance of materials and manufacturing processes. It has undertaken leadership of EU and EPSRC projects (a folio of more than (£40 M). It is equipped with state-of-the-art ultra-precision machines and a UKAS standard temperature/humid controlled metrology room (Zygo Newview, Vecco Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Coordinate Measuring Machine, etc.)

Early detection and diagnosis of many diseases such as cancer, hematological disorders, neurology, psychiatry, and tuberculosis - are becoming increasingly important in saving lives [Genomics. 2016; 107(1): 1–8.]. Nanopore-based single molecule detection provides a new paradigm for early detection and diagnosis through detecting and analysing single biomolecules, such as DNA, protein, glycans, etc. Compared with biological nanopores, solid-state nanopores have attracted extensive attention, because of their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities as well as the ability to control the pore diameter and location during the fabrication. However, most ultra-small solid-state nanopores are currently produced via high-energy-beam nanofabrication tools such as focused ion beam, focused electron microscopy, and electron beam lithography, which limits the scalability of fabricating nanopores for high yield production (Nature Reviews Materials 5.12 (2020): 931-951.). Nanopores as small as 2 nm in size with sub-nm precision could be achieved via controlled dielectric breakdown, but they suffer from a severe pore-to-pore diameter variation as a result of different fabrication conditions and processing times (Chemical Society Reviews 50.8 (2021): 4974-4992.). Overall, it remains challenging to enable the cost-effective, affordable, deterministic and scale-up production of ultra-small nanopore for single molecule.

In this context, in this project, the candidate will work on researching and creating an innovative nanomanufacturing approaches and processes by combining numerical simulation and experimental investigation.