Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are membraneless organelles that compartmentalise cellular reactions through phase separation driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. In microorganisms, BMCs are emerging regulators of responses to environmental cues, yet the biophysical properties governing their behaviour remain poorly characterised. Although hydrophobicity is a key determinant of condensate assembly and material properties, no tools currently exist for real-time, non-invasive quantification of local hydrophobicity in living cells.

This project addresses this gap by developing fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors exploiting nonradiative energy transfer in a paired FP system, providing a direct quantitative readout of local hydrophobicity. The project will also explore quantum-enabled sensing approaches – leveraging quantum optical properties of photoactive proteins – to push the sensitivity and precision of condensate measurements beyond the classical limit. After in vitro characterisation, the biosensor will then be deployed in both eukaryotic and microbial hosts to probe condensate dynamics under physiological and environmental stress, such as exposure to pollutants. Together, these approaches will transform how fundamental biophysical properties governing BMC dynamics are measured and understood.

For informal queries and further details about the project please email via youngchan.kim@surrey.ac.uk.

Supervisors: Dr Youngchan Kim and Professor Claudio Avignone-Rossa

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. Starting in October 2026.

You will have to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

How to apply

Application should be submitted via the Quantum Biology PhD programme page. Please clearly state the studentship reference number (STU00001660), project title and supervisor on your application.

Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are membraneless organelles that compartmentalise cellular reactions through phase separation driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. In microorganisms, BMCs are emerging regulators of responses to environmental cues, yet the biophysical properties governing their behaviour remain poorly characterised. Although hydrophobicity is a key determinant of condensate assembly and material properties, no tools currently exist for real-time, non-invasive quantification of local hydrophobicity in living cells.

This project addresses this gap by developing fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors exploiting nonradiative energy transfer in a paired FP system, providing a direct quantitative readout of local hydrophobicity. The project will also explore quantum-enabled sensing approaches – leveraging quantum optical properties of photoactive proteins – to push the sensitivity and precision of condensate measurements beyond the classical limit. After in vitro characterisation, the biosensor will then be deployed in both eukaryotic and microbial hosts to probe condensate dynamics under physiological and environmental stress, such as exposure to pollutants. Together, these approaches will transform how fundamental biophysical properties governing BMC dynamics are measured and understood.

For informal queries and further details about the project please email via youngchan.kim@surrey.ac.uk.

Supervisors: Dr Youngchan Kim and Professor Claudio Avignone-Rossa

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. Starting in October 2026.

You will have to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

How to apply

Application should be submitted via the Quantum Biology PhD programme page. Please clearly state the studentship reference number (STU00001660), project title and supervisor on your application.