Discrete models of cellular materials

About the Project

The mechanical properties of plant and animal tissues are strongly influenced by the arrangement of their constituent cells. Discrete models, in which cells are represented as polygons or polyhedra, provide a popular and powerful modelling framework for understanding tissue biomechanics. Such models often capture features that are hard to resolve using traditional continuum approaches. This project involves the development of new mathematical techniques for the analysis of such models, built around discrete operators that respect the underlying geometric organisation of biological tissues. Drawing on recent findings [1-5], the project combines algebraic, geometric and computational tools to address applications ranging from cell to organ scale.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This is a 3.5-year PhD open to home students and EU students with settled status. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based faculty funding.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Funding Notes

This is a 3.5-year PhD open to home students and EU students with settled status. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based faculty funding.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

References

[1] N Cowley, CK Revell et al. (2024) Proceedings A 480 (2297), 20240224
[2] OE Jensen, E Johns et al. (2020) Proceedings A 476: 20190716
[3] OE Jensen & CK Revell (2023) Biomech. Model. Mechanobiol. 22, 1465
[4] OE Jensen & CK Revell (2025) arXiv:2510.05193
[5] CA Whitfield, P Latimer et al. (2020) J Roy Soc Interface 17:20200253