Developing high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques to study confined and nanoscale rheology

Understanding the structure of gel networks is critical for optimising their performance when developing novel functional materials and to understand vital biological processes. How we taste, perceive and process food, for example, completely rely on the performance of complex biomaterials such as saliva and mucus. These are conventionally characterised using macroscopic techniques that measure properties including diffusion and rheology, but such measurements do not accurately describe the heterogenous nature of nanoscale networks. <br /> <br /> In this project, you will develop new 3D single-particle tracking [1] and fluorescence lifetime viscometry techniques [2] to study the nanoscale properties of gel networks in situ. This will be applied to establish the first nanorheological characterisations of mucus, oral lubrication and novel protein-based hydrogels for functional drug delivery.<br /> <br /> This interdisciplinary work spans multiple research areas including: optical engineering, rheology, biophysics and food science, which offers flexibility in terms of tailoring the research direction to align with your interests. You will be part of the Molecular and Nanoscale Physics Group (School of Physics and Astronomy) and the Food Colloids and Soft Matter at Interfaces Group (School of Food Science and Nutrition). Candidates should have a background in physics, engineering, chemistry, food science or a closely related field and a keen interest in method development.<br /> <br /> 1. Carr, A.R., Ponjavic, A., Basu, S., McColl, J., Santos, A.M., Davis, S., Laue, E.D., Klenerman, D. and Lee, S.F., 2017. Three-dimensional super-resolution in eukaryotic cells using the double-helix point spread function. Biophysical journal, 112(7), pp.1444-1454.<br /> 2. Ponjavic, A., Dench, J., Morgan, N. and Wong, J.S.S., 2015. In situ viscosity measurement of confined liquids. RSC advances, 5(121), pp.99585-99593.

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Physics & Astronomy Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Developing high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques to study confined and nanoscale rheology</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/8090/dr-aleks-ponjavic">Dr Aleks Ponjavic</a><em> </em>as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p>You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/">Postgraduate Research Opportunities</a> website.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.</p>

<p>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Dr Aleks Ponjavic (<a href="mailto:a.ponjavic@leeds.ac.uk">a.ponjavic@leeds.ac.uk</a>) for further information.</p> <p>For questions related to the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>