Course structure

This is a 1-year fully funded MPhil scholarship linked to a follow-on 4-year PhD scholarship. The scholarships cover the tuition fees, tax-free student stipend, and research costs for the entire 5-year research programme.

Topic of study

The long-term goal is to enable the hierarchical organisation of molecules into sophisticated but sustainable materials, much as nature assembles biomolecules into highly functional structures as diverse as tree bark and insect exoskeletons.

Current technologies are far from able to (re)create the complex and diverse structures observed in nature. While recent research has demonstrated the concept of “molecular assembly”, these structures are on the nanoscale, typically the size of DNA molecules, and far too small for mechanical manipulation or other practical techniques to use for preparing useful materials. On the other hand, acoustics or sound waves could provide a non-contact approach for manipulating either the molecules or self-assembled nanostructures.

Depending on student interest, this project will focus on one of two potential directions:

1. Use of AI algorithms to aid the computer-based prediction of biomimetic “peptoid” molecules that can induce the assembly or crystallisation of nanoparticles with acoustic properties suitable for further organisation into functional materials; or
2. Use of computer-based simulations, with or without AI-assistance, to predict the ability of acoustic waves to help organise the assembly of peptoid structures from the nanoscale to the microscale.

The project is part of our new interdisciplinary Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature-Inspired Acoustics (NIA), and the student will further collaborate with researchers from both chemistry and other departments, including Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Architecture. 

Only applicants who qualify for UK or Scottish Fees will be considered (see Funding Details).

Applicants will ordinarily enter the course with a bachelor’s (honours) degree, but some applicants with a master’s degree may also be eligible (see Eligibility). Their degree discipline or work/professional experience should be relevant to the project, for example, but not limited to, chemistry, engineering, physical science, computer science, materials science, nanotechnology, etc. Applicants should also demonstrate experience in conducting an extended piece of technical work, e.g., placement, research/group/thesis project, professional employment, set of technical data analysis, etc.

Apply as soon as possible—applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis starting January 31, 2026. After this date, email to inquire about the availability of the opportunity.