ARU Winter Internship: Application of microfluidic analytical devices for drug detection

Job description

Job Description

ARU Winter Internship: Application of microfluidic analytical devices for drug detection: A preliminary study

Location: Cambridge campus

Proposed start date: 01/02/2027

Duration: 10 weeks

Hours: 20 hours per week

Pay rate: £13.45

Duties:

You will join the School of Life Sciences at ARU's Cambridge campus and contribute to a preliminary research project led by Dr Agatha Grela and Dr GavinBowen-Metcalf. The project will investigate the use of microfluidic analytical and lateral-flow devices to detect selected drugs and related compounds.With training and supervision, you will:

1. Carry out laboratory experiments using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
2. Investigate the use of colour reagents to detect selected drugs, adulterants and bulking agents in microfluidic and lateral-flow devices.
3. Search and review the relevant scientific literature on microfluidic and lateral-flow approaches to drug detection in forensic and diagnostic settings.
4. Keep accurate records, and generate a written report, of your laboratory work and literature searches.
5. Prepare a literature review using the structure and style of a scientific journal article.
6. Attend at least one meeting each week to present your progress, discuss challenges, and receive feedback. You will be expected to consider and apply relevant feedback as your work develops.

At the end of the internship, you must provide

1. A clear description of the methods used for the laboratory work and literature searches.
2. Your project records, including all laboratory notes within your assigned laboratory book.
3. A written report summarising relevant methods of drug detection using microfluidic and lateral-flow devices.
4. A presentation of your findings.

Please note that project information and results must be treated as confidential and shared outside the research team only with the team's explicitpermission.

Requirements:

• ARU UG student
• Interest in analytical, forensic, or diagnostic science.
• Prior laboratory experience.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow laboratory procedures.
• Research skills, including the ability to find and critically assess scientific literature.
• Clear written and oral communication skills.
• IT literacy.

Outcomes:

• Skills in gathering literature, including the use of appropriate databases and library resources.
• Keeping clear and accurate records of laboratory work.
• Describe and interpret preliminary results from experimental data outputs.
• Communicate scientific findings in both written and oral formats

How to apply: Please click on the apply button and submit a CV and Cover letter as part of your application

Closing date: 22 November 2026

Important notice: When making your application, feel free to use AI to enhance your CV and cover letter, but make sure to include REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES that clearly demonstrate your skills, experience, and knowledge. Applications that appear overly generic or lack evidence will be referred to the Employability and Careers team for further support and will not progress to the next stage of recruitment.