Combining Raman and SRS imaging to probe drug distribution in mammalian cells

Overview

This is an exciting PhD project within the Centre for Metabolomics Research at the University of Liverpool. This project will harness the cutting-edge power of vibrational spectroscopy by developing advanced Raman spectroscopy, optical-photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to map the distribution of drugs and xenometabolites within mammalian cells, achieving unprecedented spatial and chemical resolution.

About this opportunity

This PhD proposal is to develop Raman spectroscopy, optical-photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy for measuring drug and xenometabolite distributions in mammalian cells with high spatial and chemical resolution. Raman spectroscopy will provide detailed molecular fingerprints of the drug and cellular components, enabling identification and localization. SRS will enhance imaging speed and sensitivity, allowing real-time, label-free visualization of drug dynamics within live cells. Together, these techniques offer complementary strengths – quantitative chemical specificity from Raman and high-speed imaging from SRS. This integrated approach will reveal drug localization, uptake, intracellular trafficking, as well as drug metabolism and will advance our understanding of drug-cell interactions and informing drug design and therapeutic efficacy.

Training

Papers:

• Roy Goodacre (CMR) will supervise the experimental design as well as the data analysis aspects to generate chemical maps related to the distribution of drug and metabolites in cellular and tissue systems.
• Howbeer Muhamadali (CMR) will co supervise the experimental design as well as Raman and SRS for the analysis of mammalian cells exposed to active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Lima, C., Muhamadali, H. & Goodacre, R. (2023) Monitoring phenotype heterogeneity at the single cell level within Bacillus populations producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate by label-free super-resolution infrared imaging. Analytical Chemistry 95 , 17733-17740.
• Al Jedani, S., Lima, C., Smith, C.I., Gunning, P.J., Shaw, R.J., Barrett, S.D., Triantafyllou, A., Risk, J.M., Goodacre, R. & Weightman. P. (2024) An optical photothermal infrared investigation of lymph nodal metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Scientific Reports 14 : 16050.

Who is this for?

You should have, or expect to a 2i or above in Biochemistry, Chemistry or a related field. Experience in analytical chemistry and chemometrics/machine learning would be advantageous.

How to apply

• 1. Contact supervisors Supervisors: Roy Goodacre Roy.goodacre@liverpool.ac.uk https://biospec.net Howbeer Muhamadali Howbeer.Muhamad-Ali@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/howbeer-muhamad-ali

1. Contact supervisors

Roy Goodacre | Roy.goodacre@liverpool.ac.uk | https://biospec.net

Howbeer Muhamadali | Howbeer.Muhamad-Ali@liverpool.ac.uk | https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/howbeer-muhamad-ali

• 2. Prepare your application documents Applications need: Cover Letter with a personal statement explaining why you want to do this PhD. Cover Letter should include experience in analytical science, biochemistry and or computation. Detailed CV As the PhD is self-funded: please provide evidence that funding is in place for the full 4 years of the PhD programme.

2. Prepare your application documents

• Cover Letter with a personal statement explaining why you want to do this PhD.
• Cover Letter should include experience in analytical science, biochemistry and or computation.
• Detailed CV
• As the PhD is self-funded: please provide evidence that funding is in place for the full 4 years of the PhD programme.
• 3. Apply Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,200

Fees stated are for 2026/27 and may be subject to change for academic year 2027/28. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs .

Funding your PhD

The project is self-funded. Therefore, funding needs to include tuition fees, bench fees, living expenses.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Research areas