University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England invites online Application for number of Fully Funded PhD Degree at various Departments. We are providing a list of Fully Funded PhD Programs available at University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England.
Eligible candidate may Apply as soon as possible.
(01) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Rydberg Quantum Sensing Technologies for Resilient Communications
Developing sustainable ICT and future telecommunications systems (e.g., 6G, quantum comms, AI-assist) with a bold focus on resilience has become a key national priority. Congested radio spectrum and coexistence of broadband wireless systems produce interferences and increase the real risk of failing future telecommunication infrastructure. Highly sensitive receivers and the ability to measure weak signals (comparable with noises and interferences) have become a very challenging metrological problem.
Recently, non-invasive Rydberg quantum sensing technology (RQST) has emerged as an enabling paradigm that offers highly sensitive and traceable measurements of RF fields over a wide frequency range and have become a very attractive solution. Different designs are reported but their insight understanding, especially from metrology perspective is still very limited.
Deadline : 30 May 2025
(02) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Selective C-H functionalisations in industrially important alkylarenes
This PhD project will focus on designing conceptually new metal-mediated selective C-H functionalisations of arenes without directing groups. This will be achieved by exploring the unique reactivity of transition metal complexes that coordinate arenes in a rare eta-4 mode. This coordination mode bends the aromatic ring and enables the arene to undergo a range of unconventional C-H (e. g. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 11564) and C-C bond activations (e. g. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019,141, 6048; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 3266). These approaches have an excellent potential for the development of synthetically useful arene functionalisations. The project will involve synthetic and mechanistic studies, which will be supported by DFT computations in collaboration with our UoL colleagues.
Deadline : 30 April 2025
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(03) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Single-Molecule Electroluminescent Devices as Single-Photon Sources
Recent advancements in nanoscience have enabled the reliable and reproducible wiring of molecules into electrical circuits. A single molecule can be sandwiched between two metallic electrodes (a “molecular junction”) and an electrical current can be driven through, enabling the assessment of their electronic and charge transport properties at the smallest scale possible. As electrons flow through the molecule, a tiny fraction of their energy is slowly and steadily converted into light – single-molecule junctions behave like an extremely small OLED. The structure of the molecule dictates the final properties of the optoelectronic device in terms of emission wavelength and intensity.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(04) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Solution synthesis of multi-anion functional materials
Solution synthesis routes to functional materials offer opportunities to new crystal structures and low temperature conditions not possible through sub-solidus solid state reactions. This project will explore solution synthesis of materials containing multiple anions for functions such as solar absorption or ionic conductivity that are central to net zero technologies. The selection of experimental targets will be informed by artificial intelligence and computational assessment of candidates, or by attempts to synthesise materials typically prepared through solid state routes. The resulting materials will be experimentally studied to assess their suitability in a wide range of applications, combining our broad materials characterisation expertise with that of our international industrial and academic collaborators. The student will thus both develop a strong materials synthesis, structural characterisation and measurement skillset, and the ability to work with colleagues across disciplines in a research team using state-of-the-art materials design methodology.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(05) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Transition-to-turbulence in partially filled pipes
Transition to turbulence in full pipe flow first observed by Osborne Reynolds in the late 19th century [5] remains an active area of research [6,7]. Pipes running partially full, however, have received far less attention, yet this type of flow also has many important engineering applications within the nuclear, petro(chemical) and wastewater industries. In the context of nuclear waste transported in partially filled pipe networks (where the waste product is often solids in suspension), two key questions arise: (1) how to avoid solid particulate deposition (which leads to clogging) and, perhaps more importantly, (2) how to initiate re-suspension of the particles to reverse clogging and avoid overpressure.
Particle resuspension is typically associated with high values of boundary shear stress generally resulting in undesirably high flow rates. Thus, to facilitate the optimisation of this waste transport process we require better understanding of the boundary shear stress and the flow field velocity distribution in partially filled pipes. The velocity distribution for laminar partially filled pipe flow was determined analytically [8] and has since been confirmed both experimentally [1] and using numerical simulations [9]. Turbulent flow in partially filled pipes has been reported in several experimental [1,2,4,10-12] and numerical studies [13-15]. Still, compared to full pipe flow, studies conducted on partially filled pipes are very limited and amongst those studies there are yet to be any studies of transition to turbulence. As such, this project will elucidate fundamental flow physics whilst at the same time generate new knowledge with clear industrial relevance and impact.
Deadline : 18 February 2026
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(06) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Understanding the link between odorous thioalcohol generation and axillary microbiome bacteria at the molecular level
This project addresses the detection and quantification of thiols and related molecules using a range of analytical approaches including surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysis with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) following chemical modification. Once developed these methods will be tested on real microbial headspaces with appropriate precursor molecules from the skin that undergo known microbial biotransformation.
This is a highly multidisciplinary project, with a supervisory team from the Centres of Metabolomics Research (CMR) in the University of Liverpool, with Unilever’s R&D division in Port Sunlight. The Port Sunlight site is geographically close to Liverpool and on site in the University of Liverpool is the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) which was co-founded with Unilever:
- Roy Goodacre (CMR) will supervise the SERS and VOC metabolome aspects of the project, along with data processing and machine learning.
- Steph Murray and Allen Millichope (Unilever & MIF) will supervise the biological aspects and the interpretation of the links between specific microbial species in the axilla and malodour
Deadline : 30 April 2025
(07) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Underwater Radiated Noise Prediction of Commercial Ships (BMT)
Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) has long been explored and calculated on naval vessels but is still a relatively uncommon consideration in the commercial domain. However, following work by the IMO, Transport for Canada and a number of academic institutions, greater consideration is starting to be made of commercial shipping. The project would aim to collate and document underwater noise curves from a range of commercial vessels in order to provide open-source tools for the estimation of the noise pollution and provide real guidance on how URN can be minimised to mitigate environmental and ecological impact.
The project will acquire and collate data on underwater noise levels in areas with high commercial vessel traffic (e.g. Port of Liverpool), as well as designing experiments to test the effectiveness of different noise mitigation strategies. The results of this research could then be used to inform policy decisions and industry practices, with the ultimate goal of reducing the impact of commercial vessels on marine ecosystems. Overall, this project would represent an important step forward in understanding and addressing the issue of underwater radiated noise in the commercial sector and provide an input into IMO negotiations.
Deadline : 18 April 2025
(08) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Mitigating Synthesisability Loss in 3D Generative Models
This project will systematically investigate how 3D-molecular novelty and complexity impacts synthesisability and will develop methods to mitigate this loss. Building on state-of-the-art 3D generative architectures (Irwin et al. 2024) and datasets (Axelrod et al. 2022 and Ramakrishnan et al. 2014), the research will quantify the synthesisability gap by integrating conditioning constraints from high-quality informatics sources such as the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). Multiple levels of 3D complexity, e.g.,the incorporation of interaction field constraints from resources like Isostar, Superstar, and hotspot potentials—will be developed to understand their impact on synthesisability. Validation will be achieved through case studies targeting well-characterised systems (e.g., hERG and neglected tropical disease targets), ensuring that the outputs have direct relevance to molecule discovery pipelines. The project is positioned to bridge the gap between digital design innovation and practical synthesis, addressing a critical bottleneck in AI-driven materials chemistry.
Deadline : 25 May 2025
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(09) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Microbial Induced Electrochemistry at the Local Site and Single Cell Level
Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC) is a serious economic problem with an estimate worldwide cost of $113 Bn every year. MIC impacts a very wide range of industries, from power plants to construction, and even the health of humans with implants or protheses. While modern research has realised and demonstrated the relevance of microbial corrosion, the processes involved are still poorly understood, and mitigating strategies are still inadequate.
This is not surprising given the variety of electrochemical processes at work in biofilms.
This PhD project brings together expertise in nanoscale surface science and local scale electrochemistry, cell-surface interaction probes, microbiology and imaging across physical and biological sciences to study the electrochemical process that occurs both at the local site and single cell level and at the population level.
The appointed student will gain multidisciplinary skills and expertise in advanced characterisation techniques, including surface spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, local electrochemistry and bio-imaging approach, leveraging the unique capabilities at our Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces, Surface Science Research Centre and the Centre of Cell Imaging, both equipped with state-of-the-art techniques.
Deadline : 15 June 2025
(10) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Mechanistic investigation of immunotoxicity associated with Adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapies have revolutionised medicine, offering life-changing efficacy for various diseases, including AAV2-based Luxturna for previous medically untreatable retinal dystrophy, AAV9-based Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy, and AA5-based Hemgenix for hemophilia. However, immune responses against the AAV capsid present significant challenge to the safety and efficacy of AAV gene therapy. Since humans are naturally exposed to wild-type AAV, an estimated 30–70% of individuals have pre-existing immunity, such as AAV-specific neutralizing antibodies, which can substantially reduce therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, severe adverse events including liver toxicity and thrombotic microangiopathy have been linked with AAV-specific B cell and T cell responses. Therefore, better understanding of AAV immunogenicity is crucial for reducing AAV immunogenicity and developing safer and more effective gene therapies.
This multidisciplinary project aims to develop a platform to identify neoantigens derived from AAV vectors that are presented by common HLA alleles, evaluate the immunogenicity of AAV HLA ligands, and mechanistic evaluation of AAV-responsive T-cell activation. In this project, we will characterise immunodominant T-cell epitopes (class I and class II) shared across different AAV serotypes AAV2, AAV5 and AAV9 complete capsid vectors using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) from a panel of healthy donors representing a broad range of alleles. Furthermore, comprehensive in vitro T-cell assays will be used to detect cross-reactive, memory T-cells responsive to AAV antigens using PBMCs from healthy donors and patients with AAV immunotoxicity. To better understand how AAV antigens stimulate T-cells, AAV-responsive T-cell clones will be generated using PBMCs from healthy donors and patients with immunotoxicity to characterise cellular phenotype, tissue homing receptors, and function (cytokine release, migration of clones towards chemokines, cytotoxicity). Across patient and healthy donor groups, cross-reactivity studies will also be performed to assess the specificity of T-cells to individual peptide epitopes.
Deadline : 2 May 2025
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(11) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Machine learning methods for modelling and optimising CO2 heat pumps
Heat represents nearly half of the world’s energy consumption and contributes to almost 40% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Meeting the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 requires the installation of approximately 600 million heat pumps annually by 2030. Heat pumps using CO2 as refrigerant will have a pivotal role to play in heat decarbonisation.
The optimization of operational strategies for CO2 heat pumps through advanced computational methodologies represents a pioneering endeavour in the realm of sustainable heating and cooling technologies. CO2 heat pumps, utilizing carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, offer significant advantages in terms of environmental impact and energy efficiency compared to traditional systems. However, unlocking their full potential requires precise control and optimization of operational parameters. By leveraging advanced computational methodologies this project aims to enhance the operational strategies of CO2 heat pumps across a broader operating range for greener and more sustainable heating/cooling applications.
We are offering a PhD opportunity focused on applying machine learning methods to develop optimal operational strategies for trans-critical CO2 heat pumps. This project is based within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Deadline : 1 August 2025
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(12) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Locating and sizing electric vehicle charging stations through multi-stage stochastic optimisation
As part of the global shift towards sustainability, the transportation sector is increasingly adopting electric vehicles (EVs) over traditional vehicles. Despite the growing adoption of EVs, driven by governmental incentives, there is a pressing need to establish sufficient charging infrastructure.
Optimal placement of charging stations is essential, considering factors such as demand, social equity, and integration with transportation networks while discouraging overreliance on private transport. Establishing a robust, equitable, and scalable charging infrastructure is recognised as crucial by many countries. Key considerations in the rollout of charging infrastructure include energy system integration, grid benefits, and minimising pavement clutter. While previous research has explored charging infrastructure from spatial and mathematical optimisation perspectives, a comprehensive approach that considers spatial, energy, and sociodemographic factors simultaneously is lacking.
This project aims to address this gap by developing a tool to assist planners and policymakers in locating EV charging stations based on specified criteria and available data. The research objectives include identifying critical parameters influencing charging station placement, formulating a multi-stage optimisation problem to maximise utilisation and ensure equitable distribution, and creating an interactive tool for stakeholders to visualise optimal charging station locations based on regional needs and constraints. This tool aims to empower local stakeholders to strategically deploy charging infrastructure tailored to their specific contexts, informing local planning and policymaking for the optimal establishment of EV charging infrastructure.
Deadline : 31 May 2025
(13) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Linking historic, contemporary, and future inspection data for improved asset monitoring
This fully-funded project will see you solving issues related to how machines and infrastructure are inspected to find degradation and damage. This is a vital part of the operation of any engineered system and the field of non-destructive inspection is of importance across all industries. The project is sponsored by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the organisation charged with decommissioning and cleaning up the UK’s nuclear sites at the end of their life.
The NDA is unique in possessing assets that will require monitoring for hundreds of years, presenting difficulties in comparing inspection data when inspection systems are replaced. In this project you will develop techniques for quantitatively comparing data from historic, contemporary and future sources to solve this problem.
Optical based inspection with a range of camera systems will be performed using a mock-up of a typical NDA asset. Data will be captured such that it is comparable to historic and current systems at NDA sites. A common concern for most long-term monitoring situations is to detect motion, either due to relative motion of equipment or due to defects such as cracks growing through welds or concrete. Digital image correlation will be used to quantify such movement between images from different systems – a current research challenge. Techniques for estimating measurement uncertainties will also be developed to help improve objective decision making.
Deadline : 18 February 2026
(14) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Is ocean circulation the ultimate driver of biological carbon storage in the ocean?
The PhD aims to quantify the importance of ocean circulation in driving biological carbon storage by the Biological Pump. The student will initially use an intermediate complexity Earth System Model to run historical simulations and future projections and investigate the role of circulation on the Biological Pump during the present-day and in the future, and identify the key processes that control the response of the biological pump to a climate-induced changing circulation. The student will have freedom to then explore various research directions based on their interests such as: 1) Will ocean circulation continue to be the main driver beyond the 21st century and/or after net zero? 2) What are the main drivers of uncertainties in the Biological Pump in current IPCC projections? 3) What impact does a changing circulation have on proposed marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) techniques?
Deadline : 1 June 2025
(15) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Investigating the Role of Polarity Regulators in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Pathogenesis and Therapy.
This interdisciplinary project integrates genetic, pharmacological and clinical approaches to investigate the biological and therapeutic relevance of polarity regulators in PDAC.
1.- Molecular (viral-mediated shRNA/CRISPR) and cellular biology (2D/3D cell cultures) approaches will be employed to assess the tumour suppressive activities of polarity regulators in PDAC cells.
2.- Pharmacological and transcriptomic approaches will be used to identify molecular pathways associated with drug response.
3.- Clinical relevance of the findings will be evaluated in a collection of human PDAC samples.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(16) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Intelligent optimisation of inline purification – delivering automated product profiling for pharma
Purification is a critical part of pharmaceutical process chemistry, to a) quantify and optimise product purity and yield, and b) characterise impurities for robust safety testing and the impact on down-stream steps. However, method development for separation is laborious, creating a bottleneck and reducing efficiency and sustainability.
This project, co-funded by AstraZeneca, will develop & use autonomous optimisation of purification on programmable flow reactors, linking synthesis, separation, and characterisation in one automated system. Flow chemistry delivers benefits including improved safety, efficiency, scalability, production quality, and sustainability. Autonomous optimisation further drives efficiency while delivering invaluable datasets.
Deadline : 13 April 2025
(17) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Instrumentation studies for AWAKE Run 2c
AWAKE is the world’s first proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. It utilizes 400 GeV proton bunches from the CERN SPS to drive plasma wakefields with an amplitude of ~ GV/m (which are orders of magnitude higher than conventional accelerators), which then accelerate externally injected 10-20 MeV electrons up to several GeVs in a 10 m long plasma.
The current AWAKE scientific program, called Run 2b, has produced several high impact results in recent years, including successful acceleration of the electron beam up to 2 GeV in a single stage of acceleration, demonstrated stable and reproducible seeded self-modulation (SSM) for a long proton bunch, and demonstrated the application of scalable plasma sources.
Run 2c has now been confirmed, which will use a second plasma channel and electron source to reach higher energies whilst maintaining and monitoring the beam quality for applications. This work will pave the way for this novel acceleration technology to drive compact machines towards the energy frontier.
Deadline : 19 December 2026
(18) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Hybrid Porous Scaffold 2D Materials for Water Purification
1. Fabrication of porous polymer scaffolds from low-cost, sustainable polymers (cellulose and derivatives) with a range of porosities through established methods (non-solvent induced phase separation and vitrification). Characterisation with optical and electron microscopies, gas sorption, calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis.
2. Further development of surface coatings and chemical modification protocols for incorporation of 2D materials (TMDCs) onto the surface of and embedded within polymeric scaffolds: vapour deposition of oxide layers or embedding oxide particulates within the scaffold and sulfurisation/selenisation through low-temperature plasma treatment. Characterisation of scaffold surface structure and TMDC morphology will be conducted via electron microscopy and porosity will be assessed through further gas sorption measurements.
3. Screening and testing materials performance in water purification. Assessment of membrane flux, fouling, biofouling, rejection of heavy metal/toxic metal ions and organic pollutants, (photo-) catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species.
4. Exploration of other applications of 2D TMDCs embedded in scaffolds with complex 3D morphologies and large surface areas, for example in energy and sensing applications.
We are seeking highly motivated, ambitious and enthusiastic applicants from physical sciences, chemistry and engineering backgrounds for this interdisciplinary project. Informal enquiries are encouraged before a formal application and should be directly to Dr William Sharratt ([email protected]).
Deadline : 31 May 2025
(19) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-throughput exploration of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
New porous materials are important for advances in key technologies such as carbon dioxide sequestration and storage or catalysts for clean manufacturing. The assembly of multiple metal and organic linkers in the well-defined and complex crystal structures of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs) will deliver materials with enhanced properties. However, at present we do not have the experimental tools with the scale and speed to efficiently explore the vast chemical space available. This project will harness recent advances in robotics to efficiently explore the discovery of new multicomponent MOFs. The student will design and execute experiments on state-of-the-art robotic synthesis platforms, develop the required measurement approaches to extract and analyse data from the arrays of materials.
Training in robotics, chemistry and structural characterisation will be given. The project will develop protocols to identify materials with potential application gas separation (focusing on capturing carbon dioxide from flue gas and challenging separations of hydrocarbons) and catalysis (transformation of biomass for next-generation clean manufacturing) applications that will focus the large numbers of new materials identified for further detailed exploration. The project is driven by a vision of a future where research scientists will make routine, broad use of robotics as part of the discovery of advanced materials, and thus the project will prepare the student for a wide range of industrial and academic career opportunities.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
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(20) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-Throughout Materials Discovery and Analysis for Water Contaminant Removal
A fully funded PhD studentship is available in collaboration with UL Materials Discovery Institutes (Research – UL Research Institutes) in the area of synthesis and automated analysis in a chemical laboratory focusing on the removing diverse water contaminants, addressing challenges in water treatment and purification.
This project will focus on high-throughput synthesis of porous materials and the development of a proof-of-concept analytical methods for water contaminants removal.
We are seeking a PhD student to focus on developing high-throughput synthesis and analysis by integrating advanced robotics, and AI-driven analytics to enhance materials discovery and analysis processes, enabling the improvmenet of material discovery and the assessment of their performance for water contaminants removal.
The main goal of the project will be to accelerate the discovery and optimization of advanced porous materials and analytical method by developing a high-througput workflows for water contaminant removal.
Deadline : 31 July 2025
(21) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-Throughout Materials Discovery and Analysis for Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Water scarcity and contamination are among the most pressing global challenges of our time. Approximately 25% of the global population lives in regions experiencing annual water strees, a number projected to rise significantly by 2050. By then, 25 countries will face extreme water scarcity, withdrawing 80-100% of their available water resources annually. Furthermore, 44 countries are expected to experience high water stress, withdrawing 40-80% of their water resources. Even countries with moderate or low water stress levels will increasingly rely on efficient and sustainable solutions to manage water resources. Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) offers a promising alternative by tapping into the atmosphere, which contains an estimated 13,000 trillion liters of water vapor, a vast and underutilized resource independent of traditional freshwater supplies.
Deadline : 31 July 2025
(22) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High Power Laser Development
Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of energy transfer technologies in areas such as, laser interactions, plasma physics, materials science and engineering? We are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate to undertake an exciting project within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub. As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of £24,780 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by QinetiQ.
The studentship will focus on creating high-energy, high repetition-rate lasers. You will work with optical fibre lasers and combine the output of these systems using polarisation combination to create one output beam. The aim is to harness the advantages of chirped pulsed amplifier Yb lasers over other solid-state systems by using a combination of techniques to increase the energy output. This performance is not possible with the current systems, and so this project involves working at the forefront of laser technology to make a difference.
Deadline : 30 April 2025
(23) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Experimental Discovery of New Ionic Conducting Materials
This project tackles the discovery of new materials for solid state batteries that will have higher energy densities and superior safety to current technologies. It is based on the design and discovery of new inorganic solids with unprecedented structures that will allow new mechanisms for fast ion motion in solids. Materials that allow the rapid motion of ions are essential for the new energy technologies needed to meet the challenge of net zero, such as batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers for green hydrogen. We recently discovered a new lithium solid electrolyte that changes previous understanding of how to design fast ion transport in solid state materials (Science 383, 739, 2024), and expand upon this new structure type through performance optimisation via substitution (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 63, e202409372, 2024). This project will explore the enormous range of possibilities for the synthesis of new lithium- and magnesium-ion conducting materials based on this discovery. It will combine synthetic solid-state chemistry, advanced structural analysis, and measurement of the conductivity and electrochemical properties of the new materials, enabling the successful candidate to develop a diverse experimental skillset. The student will participate in the selection of synthetic targets as part of a multidisciplinary team that combine artificial intelligence and computational methods with chemical understanding to design new materials – the process that led to our recent discovery, which the student will have the opportunity to participate in and improve.
Deadline : 11 April 2025
(24) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Enhancing Marine Biodiversity Through Repurposing Manmade Structures with Secondary Coastal Flood Defence Benefits
Manmade marine structures, such as decommissioned cooling water intake tunnels from power stations, represent significant infrastructural assets that can be repurposed to address pressing environmental challenges. This research will focus primarily on the biodiversity benefits of utilising such structures as artificial habitats to enhance marine ecosystems. A secondary objective will be to assess the potential for these structures to contribute to coastal flood defence as part of a broader nature-based approach to climate resilience.
By focusing on the biodiversity aspects first, we aim to explore how the strategic design and modification of these structures can promote marine life, foster ecosystem connectivity, and contribute to species conservation in degraded or underutilised marine environments. The Sizewell A Nuclear Power Station’s decommissioned cooling water intake heads offer an ideal case study for examining how infrastructure originally intended for industrial use can be transformed into ecological assets.
Deadline :30 June 2025
(25) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Edge-Cloud Collaborative Motion Planning for Autonomous Navigation with Large Language Models
Join our cutting-edge research to develop efficient edge-cloud collaborative motion planning systems for autonomous navigation. This project focuses on leveraging large language models (LLMs) to enhance perception, prediction, and planning in dynamic and complex environments. The primary goal is to address challenges such as long latencies and adaptive decision-making in real-time for autonomous navigation systems, particularly in agriculture and other interdisciplinary fields.
Deadline : 30 April 2025
(26) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Discovery of new inorganic materials for net zero applications
This PhD project will tackle the synthesis in the laboratory of inorganic materials with unique structures that will expand our understanding of how atoms can be arranged in solids. The selection of experimental targets will be informed by artificial intelligence and computational assessment of candidates, working with a multidisciplinary team of researchers to maximise the rate of materials discovery. The resulting materials will be experimentally studied to assess their suitability in a range of applications, including targeting Li and Mg transport for advanced solid state battery materials. The student will thus both develop a strong materials synthesis, structural characterisation and measurement skillset, and the ability to work with colleagues across disciplines in a research team using state-of-the-art materials design methodology. The success of this approach is demonstrated in a range of papers (Science, 2024, 383, 739-745; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 22178-22192; Science, 2021, 373, 1017-1022).
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(27) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Digital twin of heat pumps integrated with thermal energy storage
This project aims to develop models to quantify the impacts of heat electrification, to develop solutions through demand side management using heat storages, and to quantify the flexibility provided by heat storages and exploit it. Based on the obtained understanding, the project aims to establish a digital twin of an exemplar heating system that integrates heat pumps with thermal energy storage to explore and demonstrate how such flexible heating systems could manage heat demand in response to weather forecasts, and thus minimise their impact on the electricity grid collectively.
Deadline :1 August 2025
(28) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Digital Transformation of Chemical Analysis for Sustainable Materials Development
In this project, our aim is to develop a modular robotic platform for automated chemical analysis. The platform will integrate advanced robotics with chemical processing equipment and analytical instruments, enabling the rapid and reliable analysis of complex chemical systems. We will initially address a key problem in industrial materials science: the automation of fluoride measurement in toothpaste. Despite the regular measurement of fluoride in toothpaste being required for safety and regulatory reasons, the automation of this process remains elusive. Automating fluoride measurement is a complex process, with many different industry standards employed for manual measurements, therefore automation of the chemical analysis steps would be transformative, improving efficiency and accuracy of a currently labour intensive and repetitive process.
Deadline : 30 April 2025
(29) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Developing new generation adsorbent for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal
NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Programme between National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the UK is a well-established programme, where students spending 2 years at both institutions. Working with world leading academics and research capabilities the PhD candidates will spend two years in each institution. Upon successful defence of their research work, the candidates will obtain dual PhD degrees.
There are over 4000 types of PFAS compounds that are partially or fully fluorinated linear, branched, or cyclic [1]. PFAS have been widely used since 1940s in various applications worldwide, because of their hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, and chemical and mechanical stability. These applications include non-stick household items, paints, food packaging, cosmetics, lubricants, electronics, and aviation film-forming foam for firefighting [2]. PFAS molecules persistent in the environment over extended periods because they ate are resistant to natural degradation [3].
Continuous exposure to PFAS can cause hormonal disruptions, liver dysfunction, weakened immune function, cancer risk, fertility issues, adverse impacts on fatal development, and impaired cognitive abilities in children. In addition, PFAS potentially affects animals and livestock too [4]. Exposure routes are through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact [5]. Additionally, short-chain PFAS molecules (perfluorocarboxylates with fewer than eight carbons and perfluorosulfonic acids with fewer than six carbons) are both volatile and highly water soluble, making them readily absorbable by the human body through breathing, food consumption, or drinking water [6].
Deadline : 31 May 2025
(30) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Developing inverse vulcanised polymers as functional coatings
This project will focus on synthetic methods for discovering and designing new functional materials derived from elemental sulfur. Sulfur is an industrial by-product, removed as an impurity in oil-refining. This has led to vast unwanted stockpiles of sulfur and resulted in low bulk prices. Sulfur is therefore a promising alternative feedstock to carbon for polymeric materials. Sulfur normally exists as S8 rings – a small molecule with poor physical properties. On heating, these sulfur rings can open and polymerise to form long chains. However, because of the reversibility of sulfur bonds, these polymers are not stable, and decompose back to S8 over time, even at room temperature. Inverse vulcanisation has made possible the production of high sulfur content polymers, stabilised against depolymerisation by crosslinking.1 These polymers have applications in LiS batteries, IR transparent optics, thermal and electrical insulation, self-healing polymers, construction, and in heavy metal capture. Antimicrobial applications are underdeveloped in comparison, but we recently developed a set of sulfur polymers that have potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) bacteria.2, 3
Deadline : 30 June 2025
(31) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Design and synthesis chemical probes for fluorescent imaging and mass spectroscopy
The overall aim of this PhD project is to design, synthesise and optimise chemical probes with multiple functions based on existing and novel vector control chemical scaffolds that will be applied in biological investigations using advanced techniques, such as fluorescent/2-photon/MALDI imaging and chemical proteomics, to accelerate the discovery of next generation vector control chemicals. In this project, the PhD candidate will and be trained on using modern synthetic and medicinal chemistry skills in the chemical probe design, synthesis and optimisation and introduced to other relevant advanced biological research techniques mentioned above when the probes are tested/used.
Deadline : 25 April 2025
(32) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Combining operando X-ray and Raman spectroscopy for battery material characterisation
The project aims to implement Raman spectroscopy into the beamline and used simultaneously during X-ray diffraction, X-ray scattering and X-ray spectroscopy experiments. Raman spectroscopy can give information on the binding of reaction products during electrochemical reactions which can be correlated with the structural information obtained with X-ray techniques to build up a fundamental picture of the structure-function relations in electrochemical systems for energy applications. The project will involve a broad range of Li-ion and Na-ion battery materials and will be opportunities to interact with of a broader European battery characterisation consortium.
Deadline : 30 June 2025
(33) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Automated solid state synthesis robotic workflow
The experimental discovery of new inorganic materials shows us how crystal structure and chemical composition control physical and chemical properties. It is therefore critical for our ability to design functional materials with the properties we will need for the next zero transition. The use of robotic methods can greatly accelerate the discovery of new materials and when combined with optimisation techniques can be run autonomously to identify new materials with properties of interest.
This project will develop and exemplify a robotic workflow to perform solid state chemistry reactions, consisting of an automated weighing and mixing stage, coupled with a high temperature furnace to perform the reactions. Automated powder diffraction will be integrated to identify new materials within the phase fields being explored. The student will work closely with colleagues in the group of Prof Andy Cooper who have pioneered the use of autonomous robotic chemical synthesis for functional materials discovery. The project builds on a high throughput synthetic workflows developed in the group using slurry (Chem. Sci. 15, 2640, 2024.) and solution based precursors.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(34) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Advancing a Participated GIS-based Policy Tool for Addressing the Needs of People with Impaired Mobility in Urban Environments.
Global initiatives such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 emphasise the need for inclusive, safe, and accessible cities, particularly for vulnerable populations. In the UK, policies like the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Action Plan mandate accessibility improvements, yet urban infrastructure often falls short for individuals with mobility impairments. Existing Geographic Information System (GIS) applications primarily focus on route planning rather than comprehensive accessibility assessment, and many rely on city-specific or ad-hoc datasets that limit their broader applicability.
This project aims to develop a GIS-based policy tool that systematically evaluates and enhances urban accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals. The tool will integrate urban environment characteristics, spatial distribution of the impaired population, and sociodemographic factors to generate a street-level accessibility index. Machine learning algorithms will assess pedestrian infrastructure quality using street imagery, providing a data-driven approach to identifying accessibility gaps. A web-based GIS tool will be developed to support policymakers, urban planners, and advocacy groups in prioritising interventions. Liverpool (UK) will serve as the case study.
Deadline : 15 April 2025
(35) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Adaptive Robotic Chemists for Resilient Pharmaceuticals
In this project, we will explore how intelligent robotic systems can be designed and deployed for dissolution testing using a modular, human-robot collaborative approach. Initially, we will start by focusing on addressing the robotics challenges related to preparing, dispensing and placing the dosage form into the test media, and removing it safely and in a timely manner at the end of the test, ready for the next test. Subsequently, we will integrate statistical frameworks with robust uncertainty estimates, such as conformal predictors, enabling the robot to autonomously determine its next action or request human intervention based on its confidence level. This approach aims not only to accelerate dissolution testing through innovative robotic systems but also to establish reliable, uncertainty-aware methodologies, fostering trust in AI-driven robots for pharmaceuticals.
Deadline : 25 May 2025
About The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England –Official Website
The University of Liverpool (abbreviated UOL; locally known as The Uni of) is a public research university in Liverpool, England. Founded as a college in 1881, it gained its Royal Charter in 1903 with the ability to award degrees, and is also known to be one of the six ‘red brick’ civic universities, the first to be referred to as The Original Red Brick. It comprises three faculties organised into 35 departments and schools. It is a founding member of the Russell Group, the N8 Group for research collaboration and the university management school is triple crown accredited.
Ten Nobel Prize winners are amongst its alumni and past faculty and the university offers more than 230 first degree courses across 103 subjects. Its alumni include the CEOs of GlobalFoundries, ARM Holdings, Tesco, Motorola and The Coca-Cola Company. It was the UK’s first university to establish departments in oceanography, civic design, architecture, and biochemistry (at the Johnston Laboratories). In 2006 the university became the first in the UK to establish an independent university in China, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, making it the world’s first Sino-British university. For 2021–22, Liverpool had a turnover of £612.6 million, including £113.6 million from research grants and contracts. It has the seventh-largest endowment of any university in England. Graduates of the university are styled with the post-nominal letters Lpool, to indicate the institution.
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