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
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.
<p>The earliest start date for this project is 1 October 2020.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html">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><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</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>Self-Funding Students</p> <p>Funding Eligibility</p> <p>UK/EU – Leeds Doctoral Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees of £4,600 for Session 2020/21 and Maintenance matching EPSRC rate (currently £15,009 in Session 2019/20) per year for 3 years. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>UK/EU/International - Alumni Bursary for previous graduates from the University of Leeds offering 10% discount on Academic Fees if wholly or partially self-funding.</p> <p>UK/EU/International (Physics Only) – Bell Burnell Scholarship Award (Awarded by the IOP) paying Academic Fees of £4,600 in Session 2020/21 and Maintenance matching EPSRC rate (currently £15,009 in Session 2019/20) per year for 3 years. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>International Students (China Only) – China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees of £23,750 in 2020/21 for 3 years. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>International – School of Physics & Astronomy Fee Only Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees of £23,750 in Session 2020/21 for 3 years. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p> </p>
<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 funding opportunities</h3>
<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h3>