Postgraduate research opportunities Accessible Synthesis of Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 5 December 2025
- Deadline: Friday 27 February 2026
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 48 months
- Funding: Home fee, Stipend, Travel costs
Overview
Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have unique photonic properties that are of wide interest for applications spanning quantum optics to trans-tissue light-activated drug delivery. However, UCNPs are challenging to synthesize and typically require expert-level inorganic synthesis approaches. This project will explore new, more accessible methods for producing UCNPs, with the goal of making UCNPs more accessible as tools of scientific enquiry for the global scientific research community.Eligibility
This PhD opportunity would suit a highly motivated applicant with an enthusiasm for inorganic nanoparticle synthesis and optical spectroscopy. Applicants must have, or be on track for, a strong upper second or first class masters degree in Chemistry, Nanoscience, or a related discipline.
Project Details
Further information
The MacKenzie group is currently undergoing a period of expansion thanks to recent funding from the Royal Society, with brand new state-of-the-art equipment for UCNP synthesis and characterisation.
The successful candidate will benefit from weekly team meetings, regular 1-on-1 project meetings, and a dynamic team environment. The MacKenzie group is part of the BioNanoTechnology and Analytical Chemistry section the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde.
The BioNanoTechnology and Analytical Chemistry labs are situated in the flagship Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) building, which includes state-of-the-art nanoparticle synthesis, characterization, and cell biology labs. The TIC building is host to a thriving community of postgraduate students, academics, researchers, and industry interfaces spanning the entire range of physical sciences.
The successful candidate will be well supported in this environment by a range of training and development opportunities, with a wide range of training courses as part of the University of Strathclyde PGCert program and a clear structured progression through the PhD journey with routine reports and vivas to ensure progress and support. The successful applicant will also be expected to assist with the development and occasional delivery of a public science engagement activity – “Big Glow, Little Glow, Secret Glow” – currently in early-stage development by Dr MacKenzie.
The nominal start date for this full-time in-person studentship is 1 October 2026, although flexibility in the start date may be considered if necessary. Informal enquiries prior to application are strongly encouraged and should be directed to Dr Lewis E. MacKenzie via email: l.mackenzie@strath.ac.uk
Funding details
Full tuition fees at UK fee rate, plus annual stipend each year of:
- 2026-2027: £20,034
- 2027-2028: £20,636
- 2028-2029: £21,254
- 2029-2030: £21,892
While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.
Apply
Informal enquiries prior to application are strongly encouraged and should be directed to Dr Lewis E. MacKenzie via email: l.mackenzie@strath.ac.uk
Number of places: 1
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Pure and Applied Chemistry
Programme: Pure and Applied Chemistry