Engineering Chemical Transport Through Leaf Waxes for Sustainable Agriculture

As global population continues to rise, ensuring reliable crop yields and maintaining plant health is a major scientific and societal challenge. Modern agriculture relies on agrochemicals to deliver essential nutrients and crop protection agents; however, for these chemicals to be effective, sprayed droplets must penetrate the hydrophobic wax layer that coats plant leaves. This wax barrier plays a critical role in preventing water loss and protecting the plant, yet it presents a fundamental transport challenge: how can molecules cross the wax layer efficiently without compromising the plant’s water balance?<br /> <br /> In addition to efficacy, agrochemicals must be selective, acting on target crops while minimising uptake by competing species such as weeds. Differences in wax composition, structure, and physical properties between plant species are likely to influence molecular transport and uptake. Understanding how these properties vary between crops and weeds is therefore essential for improving the sustainability, efficiency, and selectivity of agrochemical delivery.<br /> <br /> This PhD project builds on previous work that established phase diagrams and structural characteristics of plant waxes. The focus of the studentship is to develop a mechanistic understanding of molecular transport and physical behaviour in plant wax films. The research will explore:<br /> • Diffusion of small molecules through wax films, including water, nutrients, pesticides, and adjuvants<br /> • The influence of wax composition on physical properties such as viscoelasticity, softness, and barrier performance<br /> • Comparative transport behaviour in representative crop (maize) and weed (amaranthus) species<br /> <br /> The project will combine well-defined model systems with biologically relevant wax compositions to establish links between molecular transport, material properties, and plant function under realistic conditions.<br /> <br /> The studentship is a collaboration with Syngenta, a world-leading agrochemical company committed to improving plant health, sustainability, and global food security. The PhD will be primarily based in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Leeds, providing access to specialist experimental facilities and expertise in interfacial science, soft matter physics, and transport phenomena. The student will work closely with Syngenta researchers through regular meetings, with opportunities for a 3–6 month industrial placement at Syngenta’s Jealott’s Hill international research centre, gaining direct experience of industrial research and development.<br /> <br /> This project is ideally suited to candidates with a background in chemical engineering, materials science, physical chemistry, physics, or a related discipline, who are motivated by fundamental science with real-world impact at the interface of plant science, formulation, and sustainable agriculture.<br />

<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>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Establishing the transport mechanism through leaf waxes</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/6605/dr-anuradha-r-pallipurath-">Dr Anuradha Pallipurath</a> as your proposed supervisor and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Chemical & Process Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Monday 30 March 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact 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 Monday 30 March 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>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 EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award, in collaboration with Syngenta, providing 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.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  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://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Anuradha Pallipurath by email to <a href="mailto:A.R.Pallipurath@leeds.ac.uk">A.R.Pallipurath@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>