This 4-year PhD studentship is open to both Home (UK) and international applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year) plus £1,000/annum enhancement, and a research training support grant of up to £20,000 for the full 4-year programme. This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually, the projects that receives the best applicants will be successful.
Liquid crystals (LCs) are exceptionally versatile and functional mesophases that combine fluidity with the ordering of solids. LCs have tremendous potential as low-cost and non-invasive bio-sensors and have been used to sense glucose, proteins, enzymes, cells, micromolecules etc. In this project, we will use mathematical modelling, ex-vivo (laboratory) and in-silico experiments to quantify the fundamental interactions between LCs and prototype cells. This will address open questions on - (i) how interfacial LC- cell interactions induce reorientation and structural changes in LCs and (ii) how these changes can be used to produce quantifiable signals. These signals can be used for sensing different types of cells, for detecting infected cells and for targeted drug delivery. The project has four core objectives incorporated into work packages (WP) at the interface of mathematical modelling, mechanics, machine learning and laboratory experiments, as listed below.
- WP I: Develop novel mathematical models for LC interactions with soft flexible surfaces, representative of human tissue;
- WP II: perform benchmark experiments on how LCs interact with epithelial tissue and cells;
- WPIII: validate and refine models with experimental data and
- WPIII: develop neural networks/machine learning tools for translation of LC outputs to sensing applications, e.g. in digital diagnostics and healthcare.
These WPs will set up a paradigmatic framework for the design of LC biosensors with bespoke properties.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: Please contact the main project supervisor, Prof Apala Majumdar, to learn more about the project and discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
To be considered for this project you must submit a formal application through our online application portal by following the instructions provided here. Please note that you must select programme FSE PhD President’s Doctoral Scholarship: If you already have an applicant account, use this link to open an application for FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship. If you do not yet have an applicant account, follow the account setup instructions and then use this link to open an application for the correct programme.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
