Specialised Recruitment & PhD Studentships

Closing Date: 30th November

UK Students only 

This PhD project aims to advance the understanding and application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods in the analysis of complex samples. Our primary focus will be the use of pure shift NMR methods to analyse samples containing bio-toxins or related materials important in forensics and the Defence industry. This will lay the groundwork for rapid identification and/or quantification of targeted components of mixtures.

While NMR is renowned for its applications in structure elucidation, it often falls short when we used for analysis of complex biological and chemical mixtures. Crucial signals are often obscured in conventional 1H NMR spectra, partly as a result of the loss of information arising because of signal overlap caused by spin-spin couplings. As a result, information on mixture components is often hidden.

This in an Industrial studentship funded by DSTL. The student will be based in the NMR Methodology Group at the University of Manchester with placements at DSTL Porton Down. The project will provide access for an outstanding PhD student to a first-rate, challenging research training experience, within the context of a mutually beneficial research collaboration between academia, government and industry. The student will use world-class research facilities in the Department of Chemistry and at DSTL, including cutting-edge chemical characterisation instrumentation. This PhD project will provide extensive training in a range of industrially-focused research methods, allowing the student to acquire a broad set of skills in practical NMR spectroscopy, spin physics, statistical data analysis, software production and scientific programming, and can be tailored to suit individual preferences. 

Liverpool John Moores University 

Closing Date: 15th December

The project aims to develop a framework for the parallel use of forensic ecology and remote sensing approaches to determine the translocation of human remains from primary clandestine graves to secondary locales. This is important to resolve contemporary crime more accurately and contribute to giving closure to bereaved families in cold cases. Through collaborations with AFTER, this strand will also evaluate the transferability of data between experimental clandestine burials using animal proxies and human remains. The diverse and interdisciplinary supervisory and advisory team provides extensive forensic, microbiological and robotics expertise and the lead supervisor combines research in sustainable environmental biotechnology with championship of equity, diversity and inclusion to facilitate and ensure equitable participation of women in science. 

Closing Date: Ongoing - Start Date: 1st October and 1st March are the standard cohort start dates each year. 

Self-funded students only 

The use of forensic DNA and national DNA databases (NDNAD) has gained popularity in criminal investigations globally [1]. While the technology has been embraced in Europe and other high-income countries, its use and regulation are still at an infant stage in Africa [2]. The lack of forensic DNA legal frameworks, policies, and guidelines poses a challenge to the fight against cross-border crime, protection of public security and human rights in Africa. DNA data can assist the police in identifying criminals, missing persons, or deceased individuals. However, it can reveal sensitive information about an individual, including their ancestry, susceptibility to diseases, and family ties. Considering this, several countries/ regions worldwide have adopted legislation and policies to govern the use of DNA and databases for investigative purposes.

The research methodology will involve a review of existing literature, legal frameworks, and policies governing the use of forensic DNA and databases in South Africa and Europe, and stakeholder interviews. The literature review and legal/policy analysis will provide key insight into the degree of consensus across different countries and identify best practices. Finally, stakeholder interviews will be conducted with legal experts, law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, civil society organizations, and policymakers in African countries to gather insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing a forensic DNA legislative framework and policy. 

Closing Date: Ongoing: Applicants accepted all year round

Self-funded students only 

This project involves the study of mites (Acari) in their role as useful markers in forensic investigations. 

The utility/contribution of mites in criminal investigations goes beyond crime scene investigations with dead bodies, and addresses, for example,  illegal trade, and human and animal neglect, among other topics.  We are particularly interested in investigating the role of mites in the process of decomposition of corpses and carcasses exposed to different environmental conditions; aiming to understand translocation of cadavers, burials at different depths and wrapping or concealment. 

*Candidates must have  i) knowledge of arthropods, (i.e., biology and taxonomy of at least one group), ii) basic concepts of genetics, and iii) experience in numerical analyses.  These topics will be further developed during the scholarship, with research carried out in the lab, curating forensic related collection/s, in forensic research settings or facilities, in house or abroad (e.g., taphonomy centres).