About the Project
A PhD position is available in our research group to investigate a fundamental physical property of water and other molecular liquids — polarizability — near biological or non-biological interfaces and under nanoscale confinement.
Many natural and technological processes, from molecular organisation and chemical reactions to molecular transport, biological function, and energy storage and conversion, are governed by the dielectric response of liquids, particularly water and electrolyte solutions. Near biological or non-biological interfaces, or within nanoscale cavities, water molecules and ions reorganise over nanometre and sub-nanometre length scales, and their polarization properties can differ markedly from those in the bulk [1,2].
Despite their importance, these properties remain poorly understood because probing liquids within only a few molecular layers of an interface or under nanoconfinement is a major experimental challenge. Our group has developed Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based electrical techniques to probe these properties directly at the nanoscale [3,4], including approaches combined with advanced two-dimensional (2D) material technologies [5–7]. These approaches enable the study of liquids in well-controlled environments ranging from 2D channels and nanopores to biological interfaces.
The project will use and further develop these methods to investigate the dielectric response of liquids at molecular scales. Experimental systems may include nanoscale and atomic-scale channels and pores, solid-liquid interfaces, or biological interfaces, depending on the student’s interest and background. The research may involve AFM-based nanoscale electrical measurements, experimental and method development, fabrication and characterisation of 2D heterostructures, preparation and characterisation of biological samples, quantitative data analysis and physical modelling, and the development of computational tools using Python and/or MATLAB.
The student will gain experience with state-of-the-art experimental techniques and contribute to developing new approaches for exploring fundamental physical property on the molecular scale that remain inaccessible to standard macroscale techniques.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply:
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
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.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in condensed matter physics, electronic engineering, materials science or biochemistry OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in condensed matter physics, electronic engineering, materials science or biochemistry.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.
References
- G. Gonella et al. Water at charged interfaces Nat. Rev. Chem. 5, 466 (2021).
- N. R. Aluru et al. Fluids and electrolytes under confinement in single-digit nanopores. Chem. Rev. 123, 2737–2831 (2023).
- L. Fumagalli, D. Esteban-Ferrer, A. Cuervo, J.L. Carrascosa & G. Gomila. Label-free identification of single dielectric nanoparticles and viruses with ultraweak polarization forces Nature Materials 11, 808 (2012).
- A. Cuervo, P.D. Dans, J.L. Carrascosa, M. Orozco, G. Gomila & L. Fumagalli Direct measurement of the dielectric polarization properties of DNA. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111 (35), E3624-E3630
- A. K. Geim Exploring two-dimensional empty space. Nano Lett. 21, 6356–6358 (2021).
- L. Fumagalli, A. Esfandiar, R. Fabregas, S. Hu, P. Ares, A. Janardanan, et al. & A. K. Geim. Anomalously low dielectric constant of confined water. Science 360, 1339–1342 (2018).
- R. Wang, M. Souilamas, A. Esfandiar, R. Fabregas, S. Benaglia, et al. A. K. Geim & L. Fumagalli. In-plane dielectric constant and conductivity of confined water. Nature 646, 606–610 (2025).