DPhil in Chemistry

Next-generation nanopore technologies for biomolecular analysis and diagnostics

Biological information is carried by molecules spanning an enormous range, from small metabolites and reactive species to large, complex biopolymers such as peptides and glycans. Across this range, structural diversity, chemical modification and dynamic behaviour make these molecules both biologically vital and difficult to analyse, and conventional methods often fall short of providing timely, molecule-level information. Nanopore sensing, a single-molecule technology, offers a unique route to read molecules one at a time. Nucleic acid sequencing has shown what is possible; the next frontier is extending nanopore analysis across the full range of biomolecules, from finger-printing small-molecule mixtures to sequencing modifications of biopolymers. Building on our expertise in nanopore sensing and chemical biology, this project will develop nanopore systems that capture previously inaccessible information at the level of individual molecules. The aim is to advance real-time, accessible molecular diagnostics with novel chemical and biological tools, integrating sample preparation, single-molecule sensing and quantitative analysis into deployable systems, with the potential to reshape both clinical and personal disease and health monitoring.

A degree in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, engineering, computer science or a related discipline
Wet-laboratory and data analysis experience in their degree field (broadly defined), demonstrating project-based research competence
Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning chemistry, biophysics and molecular diagnostics
Strong motivation and capacity for independent research
Clear written and verbal communication
Nanopore sensing and single-molecule biophysics
Chemical and/or biological tool design for molecular recognition
Sample preparation and device integration for diagnostics
Scientific writing, presentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration
  1. Martin-Baniandres, P. et al. Enzyme-less nanopore detection of post-translational modifications within long polypeptides. Nat. Nanotechnol. 18, 1335–1340 (2023).
  2. Lan, W.-H., He, H., Bayley, H. & Qing, Y. Location of phosphorylation sites within long polypeptide chains by binder-assisted nanopore detection. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146, 24265–24270 (2024).
  3. McGivern, L. E., Lim, Z. H., Yuan, Y., Bo, Z., Wu, G., Bayley, H. & Qing, Y. Targeted, high-resolution sensing of volatile organic compounds by covalent nanopore detection. Nat. Commun. 16, 9409 (2025).
  4. Lim, Z. H., Bo, Z., Armstrong, E., Bayley, H. & Qing, Y. Unexpected diastereoselective chemistry on a 2D protein surface. Chem 11, 102717 (2025).

Materials & Devices for Life Sciences

Applying multidisciplinary research to redefine nanopore technologies and progress new approaches in tissue engineering that will impact personalised diagnostics and therapeutics.