Real-Time Control and Analysis of Molecular Dynamics Using High-Speed AFM Height Spectroscopy Mapping

Molecules exhibit dynamic behaviours that occur over a wide range of time and length scales, often requiring atomic-level spatial resolution and microsecond temporal resolution for accurate characterization. Building on recent advancements in High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM), in a mode called Height-Spectroscopy where a fixed AFM tip monitors molecular motions at microsecond resolution, this project will develop software to enhance real-time control over tip positioning and live drift correction. This project focuses on the development and implementation of Jython code to control a high-speed Atomic Force Microscope (HS-AFM) for advanced studies in molecular dynamics. Your developments will enable the capture of high time-resolution data at specific points of interest, enabling detailed analysis of molecular dynamics, surface interactions, and assembly processes. This project involves software development and experimental skills but also understanding of the physical principles underlying AFM operation and molecular dynamics.

<p>Lab website: <a href="https://heath-afm-lab.github.io">https://heath-afm-lab.github.io</a></p> <p>References:</p> <ol type="1"> <li> <p dir="auto"><a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.23.568405v1" rel="nofollow">Heath, G.R, Micklethwaite, E. and Storer, T.M. NanoLocz: Image analysis platform for AFM, high-speed AFM and localization AFM. bioRxiv 2023.11.23.568405 (2023)</a></p> </li> <li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03551-x">Heath, G. R., Kots, E., Robertson, J. L., Lansky, S., Khelashvili, G., Weinstein, H., and Scheuring, S. (2021). Localization atomic force microscopy. Nature, 594(7863), 385-390.</a></li> </ol>

<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 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 <em><strong>Real-Time Control and Analysis of Molecular Dynamics Using High-Speed AFM Height Spectroscopy Mapping</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/6132/dr-george-heath">Dr George Heath</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>School of Physics & Astronomy Studentship</strong></em> or <em><strong>if you are self-funding or externally sponsored (international only)</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 style="margin-bottom:11px"><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> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisor, George Heath at <a href="mailto:p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk">g.r.heath@leeds.ac.uk</a> 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 by the closing date of Monday 20 January 2025.</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Funded 3.5 years – </strong>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 (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) 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 (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:12px">Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.<br /> <br /> <strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored international students are welcome to apply</strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom:12px">The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2025">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (before Dec 10^th 2024). <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 style="margin-bottom:12px">You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not </strong></em>cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p style="margin-bottom:12px">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>For further information on the project do not hesitate to contact any of the project supervisors by email (e.g. George Heath at <a href="mailto:p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk">g.r.heath@leeds.ac.uk</a>). We are always happy to discuss scientific questions with pro-active candidates. For details on how to apply and admin arrangements, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">m</a><a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">aps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>