The development of new techniques for microlitre-scale sample preparation and analysis is an emerging requirement for chemical and biological assays. Such samples are rarely pure liquid-phase, but rather suspensions of microbiological materials, environmental materials and, for some analytical techniques, polymer microbeads.

Digital Microfluidics, which involves the manipulation of discrete microlitre-range droplets via Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD), is a highly topical field applicable to a variety of disciplines and applications including integrated laboratories.

The objective of this research is to develop specific, functional digital microfluidic elements for the preparation and analysis of the target material for and within such assays. For example such elements might include the separation of target materials from environmental background contamination or the mixing of analytes with magnetic microbeads within droplets.

The students will work with a microfluidics team conducting bio-detection projects, including several digital microfluidics projects, for partners including the UK Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (dstl) for whom the group have previously developed self-contained, stand-alone digital microfluidic systems.

The strongly experimentally based programme will be facilitated by open access to most necessary facilities including a class 1000 microfabrication cleanroom and various polymer deposition equipment all of which, in addition to many analytical and fabrication tools, are located within the dedicated Group laboratory staffed by a full time research team.

Essential skills and characteristics:

• a strong interest in experimentally based research.
• a desire to conduct multidisciplinary research.

an ability to work within a team whilst also being self-motivated and proactive.