Within the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, the Bioanalytical Science Group (incorporating the Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging) carries out applied and multidisciplinary research related to the analysis of chemical and biological species in a variety of matrices. Projects may involve either the development of new analytical techniques or the application of existing techniques to new and complex analytical problems. Projects are available in molecular pathology, drug/xenobiotic distribution analysis, hair analysis, fingermark analysis, chemical speciation and the study of metal uptake in biological systems.

The majority of the research projects offered will involve the use of advanced mass spectrometry techniques. The group has state of the art equipment including recently purchased instrumentation for MALDI-MS imaging, DESI-MS imaging, LESA-MS and LA-ICP-MS. We have also invested heavily in up to date software for 'omics data processing and have workstations set up with Progenesis QI and Progenesis QIP software for metabolomics and proteomics based projects respectively.

The key members of staff associated with this area are Professor Clench, Dr Francese, Dr Duckett, Dr Bassindale, Dr Cole, Dr Wolstenholme and Dr Gardiner.

Further information on staff members 

How to apply

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your proposal and to ensure your proposal aligns with our research themes. Please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant area above. Please note that the details of any successful applicant's project could potentially change following input from the supervisory team.

Applicants are requested to email a postgraduate application form, including a 1500 word proposal in section 9 to HWB-DoctoralAdmin@shu.ac.uk by 12 noon on Thursday 1 February 2018.

Along with the proposal, please identify the theme with which your proposal is aligned (Bioanalytical science).

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.

Please view our eligibility criteria before submitting an application.

Selection process

Interviews will take place in March 2018.

Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the college, local postgraduate research tutors and a prospective director of studies. Where travel to Sheffield is not possible, interviews may be conducted by Skype or conference call.

Find out more about the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC)

The Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre (BMRC) is based within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences and comprises of a number of research groups. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 staff from the BMRC were returned in the Biological Sciences unit of assessment (UoA5). Sheffield Hallam was the second highest ranking modern university in this UoA with 46 per cent of our research being rated as world leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*).

The BMRC has over 40 students on MPhil/PhD programmes, as well as a number of postdoctoral research assistants. Staff in the BMRC have an established record of obtaining external funding from research councils and charities and often work in collaboration with UK and international scientists, as well as clinical colleagues at a number of UK hospitals. Staff and postgraduate students present their research findings at national and international conferences.

In 2012, the BMRC was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver Award, which was renewed in 2016 for a further 3 years. Athena SWAN is a charter to advance women's careers in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine). The silver award recognises and celebrates good practice in recruiting, retaining and promoting women in STEM subject areas within higher education.

As a research centre committed to world-class, multidisciplinary research, we offer a vibrant community in which postgraduate researchers work closely with experienced academics to develop their knowledge and expertise. We can support a wide range of research opportunities. Working towards your research degree in the BMRC, you could benefit from • supervision by an active researcher in your chosen area • access to excellent facilities and learning resources • opportunities for occasional laboratory demonstrations and tutorial teaching work to broaden your experience • lively debate and discussion with colleagues. All doctoral students are supported by a comprehensive programme of doctoral training and encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences.