Liquid Crystal Materials for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies

Liquid crystals are ordered fluids which display birefringence and dielectric anisotropy. These properties allowed them to revolutionise display technologies i.e. LCD TVs. Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies are the next logical step in display device technology. However, incumbent materials lack the requisite performance for Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies.<br /> <br /> This fully funded PhD project aims to design and synthesise new liquid crystalline materials, to characterise their performance and properties, evaluate their performance in formulations, targeting deployment in future Augmented and Virtual Reality technologies.<br /> <br /> This studentship will be part funded by Merck KGaA who are specialist in liquid crystals and optoelectronics. Thus, the successful candidate will join a diverse and multidisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, and engineers in academia and industry.<br /> <br /> This studentship would be suited to a candidate with a strong background in chemical synthesis and chemical characterisation techniques relevant to small molecules. Some knowledge of liquid crystals or soft matter would be advantageous.

<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>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <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>PhD Physics & Astronomy Full Time</strong>. <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Liquid Crystal Materials for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/8300/dr-richard-mandle"><strong>Dr Richard Mandle</strong></a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that you are applying for the School of Physics & Astronomy/Merck Studentship 2026/27.</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website here. 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>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026. 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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Thursday 30 April 2026:</strong></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>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>A highly competitive School of Physics & Astronomy Studentship, in collaboration with Merck, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. <br /> <br /> You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up or overtime year, currently £340 in Session 202526, 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><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the UK Fee rate.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Conditions </strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Award must be taken up by 1 October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our  <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non UK Nationals. </p>

<p>Individuals interested in this project are encouraged to contact Dr Richard Mandle by email to <a href="mailto:R.Mandle@leeds.ac.uk">R.Mandle@leeds.ac.uk</a> for further information.</p> <p>This position will be co-supervised by Drs <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4119/dr-mamatha-nagaraj">Mamatha Nagaraj</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/12203/dr-thomas-raistrick">Thomas Raistrick</a>.</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>