Joshua Lehr

Dr Joshua Lehr is a Lecturer in Chemical Sciences at the University of Salford's School of Science, Engineering & Environment. He joined the university in 2018 after previously working at Nottingham Trent University. His academic career spans interdisciplinary research at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, biology, and engineering, with a focus on molecular interfaces for medical diagnostics applications.

Dr Lehr completed his educational journey with a BSc in Chemistry and Philosophy (2002-2005), followed by a 1st Class BSc Hons Chemistry (2005-2006), and a PhD in Chemistry (2006-2010) all at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. After his PhD, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford focused on supramolecular systems. In 2019-2020, he completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Salford.

His research primarily focuses on the construction and study of functional molecular architectures at interfaces, leading to the development of switchable surfaces, sensors, supramolecular interfaces, and bioelectronic interfaces for medical diagnostics. Complementing this work, he studies the fundamental formation, characteristics, and electrochemical behavior of thin organic films at electrodes. His current projects include Kidscan placement studentships focused on leukaemia diagnostics and sensors, and supramolecular patterning of multifunctional interfaces.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on electrochemical biosensors for medical diagnostics, particularly for cancer detection and monitoring. His work consistently bridges fundamental electrochemistry with practical medical applications, with increasing emphasis on childhood leukaemia diagnostics in his most recent research. The interdisciplinary nature of his work spans electrochemistry, materials science, biochemistry, and medical diagnostics.

Dr Lehr leads several teaching modules including Introductory Biochemistry (Year 1), Bioinorganic Chemistry (Year 2), and Science and Industry (Year 3). He also contributes to Frontiers in Inorganic Chemistry, Applied Biomedical Science, and Current Topics in Biochemistry. As admissions tutor for Chemical Sciences, he plays an important role in student recruitment and supervision of final year projects, masters, and PhD students.

His current research projects demonstrate strong industry and healthcare partnerships, particularly with Kidscan funding multiple placement studentships (2020-2025) focused on leukaemia diagnostics. These projects indicate his research has translational impact in developing electrochemical sensors for real-time monitoring of cancer treatments.