The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.
This project will take place in the Department of Natural Sciences where you will work as a research intern. You will carry out practical work in the laboratory working on a research project looking at the development of a portable heating system which will be used as part of a Lab on a Chip device for environmental DNA monitoring. On-site monitoring is important when looking at species of special scientific interest, whether they are protected or invasive species, and we are looking to develop a system in collaboration with our partners at the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust.
This student intern will: i) optimise a graphene-based electrochemical heating system via the development of customised ink formulas; ii) develop the circuitry to electrically wire the graphene-based heating pad to a commercially available battery; iii) carry out stability testing on the graphene-based heating pads to ensure operational longevity; and iv) use CAD software to design a robust casing for the Lab on a Chip device, that will be subsequently produced via additive manufacturing (a.k.a.3D printed). This project will require you to use your initiative to resolve any problems encountered affecting achievement of the project aims.
The internship is expected help the successful applicant to develop the following key skills:
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- You will gain a range of laboratory technical skills, including screen-printing, electrochemical techniques (such as chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry) and manufacture of LOC devices.
- You will be able to use the technical skill set you develop during the project, together with critical analysis of techniques and results, to troubleshoot and problem-solve a real-world scientific research project.
- You will develop your laboratory research skills by keeping comprehensive lab records of progress and procedures.
- You will further your scientific communication skills by presenting results and project briefings to a range of audiences, including regular progress presentations to academic staff, and report writing.
- Through guidance from the academic team, you will gain experience at collecting, analysing and interpreting data, enabling you to alter and enhance the prototype devices based upon obtained results.
Dates: 16 June - 11 July 2025
Hours of Work: 20 hours per week
Location: Dalton Building