Tailoring Novel Behaviours in Liquid Crystal Elastomers Through Design

Liquid crystal elastomers are an exciting class of soft materials that combine the orientational order of liquid crystals with the elasticity of polymers. This gives rise to remarkable properties such as mechanical anisotropy, programmable shape change, auxeticity (some of these materials expand when you stretch them!), and stimuli-responsive behaviour. These properties make liquid crystal elastomers exciting candidate materials in applications such as optics, soft robotics, medical devices, and energy solutions. However, significant challenges remain before liquid crystal elastomers can realise their potential; many reported behaviours are strongly dependent on sample preparation and alignment and current fabrication routes restrict sample geometries thus limiting current applications.<br /> <br /> This PhD project will explore designing and engineering novel behaviours and responses into LCEs, from understanding their fundamental molecular organisation to creating functional materials with applications towards advanced technologies. There will be a particular focus on patterning of the liquid crystal elastomer surface or bulk to elicit a desired response relevant to an application. Potential applications include next-generation metamaterials, optical devices, and energy solutions. Using a combination of experimental approaches, including optical microscopy, profilometry, X-ray scattering, mechanical testing and spectroscopy, you will investigate how molecular structure and processing routes control material parameters.<br /> <br /> The project will provide training relevant for a career in soft matter physics and materials science with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student with a background in physics, engineering, materials science, or a related discipline, who is keen to develop experimental skills while contributing to cutting-edge research in soft advanced materials.

<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 in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <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 <strong>Tailoring Novel Behaviours in Liquid Crystal Elastomers Through Design</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/12203/dr-thomas-raistrick">Dr Thomas Raistrick</a></strong> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the School of Physics & Astronomy Studentship 2026/27.</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>Applications will be considered after the closing date. 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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including 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 style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px">A highly competitive School of Physics & Astronomy Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£20,780 in academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.<br /> <br /> 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>Please note that there is only 1 funded place available to UK applicants only.  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>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 style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"> </p>

<p>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Dr. Thomas Raistrick (<a href="mailto:t.j.raistrick@leeds.ac.uk">t.j.raistrick@leeds.ac.uk</a>) for further information.</p> <p>This position will be co-supervised by Dr Mamatha Nagaraj.</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>