Nanopore technologies for small-molecule diagnostics

Project Summary

Small molecules are key mediators of biological processes across all domains of life. Their structural diversity, reactivity, and dynamic functions make them both vital and challenging to analyse, especially in complex biological mixtures. Conventional methods often fall short in providing timely and personalised information.

Nanopore sensing, a single-molecule technology, offers a unique route to profile small molecules one at a time. Building on our chemical and biophysical expertise, this project aims to create practical nanopore systems for small-molecule analysis. We welcome candidates enthusiastic to work on end-to-end solutions that integrate sample preparation, single-molecule sensing, and quantitative analysis into deployable devices. This project will advance real-time, accessible molecular diagnostics based on small-molecule signatures, with the potential to reshape both clinical and personal disease and health monitoring.

Advisors

• Professor Yujia Qing (Senior Group Leader, EIT & Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Oxford)
• Professor Hagan Bayley (Principal Scientist, EIT & Professor of Chemical Biology, University of Oxford)

Skills Recommended

• A 4-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Engineering).
• Research experience with skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, ideally in areas such as organic/inorganic/materials chemistry.
• Strong self-motivation and enthusiasm for research in a dynamic and evolving field.
• Clear and effective communication skills, written and verbal, with an interest in working across disciplines.

University DPhil Courses 

• DPhil from the University of Oxford

Relevant Literature

• Lim, Z.H., Bo, Z., Armstrong, E., Bayley, H. and Qing, Y. Unexpected diastereoselective chemistry on a 2D protein surface. Chem, in press (2025)
• McGivern, L., Lim, Z.H., Bo, Z., Bayley, H. and Qing, Y. Targeted, high-resolution sensing of volatile organic compounds by covalent nanopore detection. Nature Communications, in press (2025)

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