PhD Studentship: Novel Biocide Development from Experiments and Computer Modelling

The University of Manchester - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Manchester

Funding for: UK Students, EU Students

Funding amount: Annual tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid

Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 17th September 2025

Closes: 28th November 2025

Research theme: Soft Matter and Biophysics

This 3.5-year PhD is fully funded and open to applications from home students or EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. Funding will also cover basic travel and lab expenses.

The broad aim of the PhD research is to train the student with skills to investigate self-assemblies of lipids and biocides and their cross-assembly processes, and identify how different membrane nanostructures could be correlated to antimicrobial efficacy and mildness or cytotoxicity.

Applicants should, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours or higher degree at the master level (MPhys, MChem or international equivalent) in a relevant science, biology or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor: Prof Jian Lu - J.Lu@manchester.ac.uk. 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.