Compact Near-Infrared (NIR) system for blood water content detection

Are you interested in revolutionizing the medical industry? Then, join our team to develop the next frontier in painless blood testing.

Blood testing is one of the most essential ways for diagnosing various health conditions, such as oxygen levels, anemia, diabetes, and cancer. However, the current methods are invasive, painful, time-consuming, and environmentally unfriendly. Our project aims at taking the first steps towards eliminating these drawbacks by developing a miniature NIR sensor integrated with a smart algorithm to provide accurate readings of blood water content in real time.

For this scholarship, you will perform extensive simulations and conduct multiple measurements in the lab to develop a proof-of-concept that will ultimately pave the way for painless blood testing anytime, anywhere.

We seek a highly motivated PhD student with a proven ability to think outside the box, excellent problem-solving skills, and a proactive attitude to take initiative. Furthermore, you should be comfortable working with fresh blood.

The Electromagnetic Innovations and Photonics groups at UQ, are at the forefront of the research and development of cutting-edge biomedical solutions. We are a highly driven, multidisciplinary team passionate about mastering all facets of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological media. From dielectric spectroscopy and optical studies to advanced signal processing and data analysis, we aim to create the next generation of innovative and affordable devices for medical diagnostics.

As a member of our team, you'll gain unparalleled access to state-of-the-art resources. UQ's Microwave & Photonics Labs will provide you with a unique platform for innovation, equipped with an NIR spectrometer, optical spectrum analyzers, and a wide range of NIR/Mid-IR/Terahertz lasers. You'll also have access to core hematology facilities at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for your work on blood and other biological samples. And when computational power is key, UQ's High-Performance Computing clusters, Bunya and Wiener, will offer you cutting-edge processing capabilities, enabling you to run complex simulations with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A solid understanding of optical sensing, spectrometry measurement techniques, and laboratory skills for Optical-based systems would be of benefit to someone working on this project

You’ll demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of electrical engineering, material or biomedical/mechanical engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of applied electromagnetics, material science, interdisciplinary work, and/or product development processes is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Professor Amin Abbosh (a.abbosh@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 27 March, 2025 27 March, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter NIR-ABBOSH.

Apply now