Small Molecule Partitioning in Surfactant Micelles

About the Project

This fully funded PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to leverage molecular dynamics simulation to develop methods to determine how different additives affect personal and home care products. Experimental values for water/micelle partition coefficients have been reported in literature. However, when small molecules such as preservatives and fragrance ingredients are included in surfactant-based formulations, their impact can enhance or reduce this partitioning which affects product performance. This project to develop simulation methods to determine the partitioning with relevant surfactant systems.

This interdisciplinary project will provide valuable insights into micellar dynamics and surfactant self-assembly with direct industrial relevance to consumer product formulation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with Unilever gaining access to at least 3 months of placement at Unilever, cutting-edge research facilities, and real-world datasets.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Steph Flores (steph.flores@manchester.ac.uk) at the Department of Chemical Engineering and co-supervised with Dr. J. Javier Burgos-Mármol at Unilever, benefiting from a dynamic academic environment and strong industry collaboration. This interdisciplinary PhD is ideal for candidates with a background in chemical engineering, physics, soft matter science, computational chemistry, and/or related disciplines.

We are looking for applicants who can start as early as 1 October 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as the position may be filled before the deadline.

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 4-year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The preferred start date is October 2026, but a later start date may be negotiable.

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.