Engineering biomaterials through liquid crystal imprinting

PGR-P-624

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Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Dr Mamatha Nagaraj
Schools: School of Physics and Astronomy
Research groups/institutes: Soft Matter Physics

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Liquid crystals are a fascinating soft materials that elegantly combine characteristics of the conventional solid and isotropic liquid. There are a number of liquid crystal phases and they show unique molecular arrangements and functionalities. The process of transferring of functionalities of liquid crystals into polymer matrices is called as imprinting. In this project you will work on creating and investigating imprinted structures of liquid crystals using biomolecules for applications in medicine and tissue engineering. The student will have the opportunity to learn a number of experimental techniques vital to soft matter physics such as polarizing optical microscopy, X-ray scattering, dielectric spectroscopy, device fabrication techniques and electron microscopies.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<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 research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is ‘Engineering biomaterials through liquid crystal imprinting’ as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4119/dr-mamatha-nagaraj">Dr Mamatha Nagaraj</a> as your proposed supervisor.</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> </p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

<p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK </strong>– The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/198-akroyd-and-brown-scholarship-2022">Akroyd & Brown</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/199-frank-parkinson-scholarship-2022">Frank Parkinson</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/204-boothman-reynolds-and-smithells-scholarship-2022">Boothman, Reynolds & Smithells</a> are available to UK applicants. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).  <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/63-school-of-physics-astronomy-partial-fee-only-scholarship">School of Physics & Astronomy Partial Fee Scholarship </a>is available to support the additional academic fees of Non-UK applicants. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).   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. 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>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, or by telephone: +44 (0)113 343 5057.</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Mamatha Rajaraj by email:  <a href="mailto:m.nagaraj@leeds.ac.uk">m.nagaraj@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p> </p>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h3>