For long these two research fields haven’t been properly merged in research, on one hand, bioinformatics deals with analysis genomic data and revealing traits and chemometrics is the science of the chemical data and reveal patterns. There are many analytical problems in foods and drugs related to origin, authenticity, safety and quality that can benefit from a more holistic approach.

The project will evaluate a series of analytical problems related to foodstuffs and drugs and will apply innovative techniques including data fusion and deep machine learning technologies and come up with novel solutions to address them that merge the two scientific concepts.

This project will be leveraging the state of the art Advanced Mass Spectrometry centre at QUB where various LC-MS/MS and GC-MS are available for targeted analysis, high resolution instruments (QTof) coupled to UPLC for non-targeted metabolomic analysis, as well as ambient sampling interfaces such as Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrometry (REIMS) or to Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS), which allow holistic profiling of tissue samples with minimal sample preparation. A cutting-edge molecular biology and bioinformatic centre is also a key part of the project. The PhD student will be working with a multidisciplinary team from various countries where a great deal of experience and resources are available.