Novel graphene field-effect transistors for RF to THz electronics and biosensing applications

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st October 2026.

Apply 

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the online application link below for PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering 
Within the research section of the application form, in the following field, please add: 
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add EPSRC DLA 26-10 Awan.
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance 

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on applying for a postgraduate research degree.
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Director of Studies (DoS): Dr Shakil Awan
Second Supervisor: Dr Vincent Drach
Third Supervisor: Dr Craig McNeile
Fourth Supervisor: Dr Fatma Bouabdallah
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year EPSRC funded UDLA PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 October 2026.

Project description 

The project aim is to develop novel FETs and biosensors based on Graphene and 2D Materials for applications in RF to THz electronics and early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s/cancer diseases using detection of protein biomarkers in patient blood samples. Such FETs will enable advanced high-frequency (HF) electronics and low noise amplifiers. In addition, the same (essentially dual-use) FETs will also enable novel sensing of disease biomarkers with ultra-high sensitivity and specificity. In particular, our Nanomaterials and Devices Laboratory at the University of Plymouth is leading research on precision impedance based molecular detection methodology and multiplex electronics that enables multiple protein biomarker detection simultaneously. This PhD project will focus on (a) Design, simulation and optimisation of FETs to 1.1 THz, (b) Fabrication of optimised Graphene and hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) FETs and (c) Application of the FETs in advanced HF electronics and biosensors for early diagnosis of AD/cancer.
The proposed project is inherently interdisciplinary as it will integrate knowledge and techniques from multiple fields spanning materials science, condensed matter physics, electronics and biochemistry. It includes Co-Supervisors with expertise across Graphene and 2D Material production, device and sensor fabrication, host of precision electrical/optical/biochemical characterisation techniques, simulations and first principles theoretical calculations of these advanced materials. In addition, the PhD student will also benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with Dr Antonio Lombardo at University College London, Prof Andrea Ferrari at the University of Cambridge and Dr Xiaobang Shang at the National Physical Laboratory. 

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Master's qualification, with experience form at least two of the following areas: electrical/electronic measurements, optical/e-beam lithography, biology/biochemistry and finite element analysis/ADS/EMPro. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome. 
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a Stipend of £21,805 per annum 2026/27 rate.  The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.  Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates.  The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.
There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.
  • The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
  • You can’t work full time while receiving a PhD stipend.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Shakil Awan (shakil.awan@plymouth.ac.uk).
How to apply
To apply, please click the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:
  • CV / résumé
  • Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
  • Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
  • If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).
Please also see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our How to Apply for a Research Degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 24 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.