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>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly Planned Course of Study section that you are applying to <em><strong>PHD Physics & Astronomy FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Developing high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques to study confined and nanoscale rheology</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/8090/dr-aleks-ponjavic">Dr Aleks Ponjavic</a> as your proposed supervisor <em><strong>and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <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 style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying for University or School Scholarships for 2026/27 entry, 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><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><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>Scholarship opportunities open from October 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in Physics (awarded by the IOP) <strong>(closing date: December 2025), </strong>the<strong> </strong><a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: February 2026) </strong>and the<strong> </strong><a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: April 2026)</strong> are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(closing date: January 2026)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>Please note that if you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>If you are applying for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship, Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship or Leeds Marshall Scholarship, you will need to complete a separate application, specific to these scholarships, to be considered for funding.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<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>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</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:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>