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: Funded PhD studentship on acoustics (sound and vibration)
The PhD scholarship is funded by Malcolm Crocker, Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Auburn University, who is one of the world’s foremost experts in acoustics and vibration. Professor Crocker gained his doctorate from the ARU at the University of Liverpool in 1969 on the topic of the response of structures to acoustic excitation and the transmission of sound and vibration. The Acoustics Research Unit is based in a laboratory complex containing test chambers designed primarily for research and are furnished with a full range of instrumentation for measuring sound, vibration and material properties.
The PhD research topic is expected to fall under the general area of engineering acoustics that focuses on sound and structure-borne sound that is relevant to the automotive, space, aeronautical, marine or construction industries. Ideally the research topic should focus on prediction modelling alongside experimental validation. Applicants may propose a research topic that is of interest to them in these areas.
Deadline : 27 June 2025
(02) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Assessing immunological responses to next-generation vaccine candidate delivery systems – linking Physico-chemical characteristics to biological response
Complex medicines, such as nanotherapeutics, have significantly transformed treatment in biomedicine. Liposomes and lipidic nanoparticles (LNP) have been utilised in clinical settings for over 40 years, initially for the administration of chemotherapeutics like Doxorubicin (in its PEGylated liposomal form as Doxil) to improve their circulation time in the bloodstream and lessen the occurrence of side effects. Recently, they have played a crucial role in the global vaccination effort, delivering SARS-CoV-2 antigens through mRNA technology. The introduction of mRNA-based, liposomal vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted their clinical value as adaptable delivery systems that swiftly react to new and emerging pathogens. While liposomes are generally considered non-toxic but not immunologically neutral, a thorough evaluation of immune responses is essential from a safety standpoint. This also uncovers new properties that could be advantageous in vaccine applications.
Deadline : 6 June 2025
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(03) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Economic Evaluation of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for the control of epidemics
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a world-leading team delivering research relevant to public health. This PhD opportunity is funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections (EZI).
NIHR is the UK’s largest funder of health and care research and provides the people, facilities and technology that enables research to thrive. NIHR HPRUs undertake high quality research that enhances the ability of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to protect the public’s health and minimise the health impact of emergencies. There are 13 HPRUs across England
This studentship focuses on economics of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for controlling emerging zoonotic infections (EZIs). NPIs are sometimes called Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM). Globalisation, increasing human encroachment into animal habitats, and rapid global travel mean that the risk of EZIs is increasing. NPIs such as mass asymptomatic testing with self-isolation of positives, and risk mitigation for cultural events, that use a synthetic control analysis approach, had an enormous impact in controlling COVID-19. However, their introduction was not straightforward, with major challenges around their feasibility and acceptability. Most evidence in support of NPIs is from observational and ecological studies. Decisions around NPIs during the pandemic were aimed at saving lives and protecting the NHS. However, many NPIs, especially those which limit civic freedoms and ability to work, have major economic consequences, often not factored into modelling or decision making.
Deadline : 9 June 2025
(04) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Investigating the Role of Polarity Regulators in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Pathogenesis and Therapy
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies, with a five-year survival rate of ~10%. The lack of effective therapeutic options and the high incidence of chemoresistance underscore the urgent need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving PDAC development and progression.
Loss of cell polarity, a hallmark of epithelial neoplasia development, is critical during the progression from pancreatic preinvasive lesions to invasive PDAC. Altered expression of cell polarity regulators leads to dysregulation of oncogenic and tumour suppressive pathways, thereby promoting tumour progression. Further evidence indicates that inactivation of polarity genes drives resistance to chemotherapy and correlates with poor outcomes.
Emerging evidence, including work from our group and others, has demonstrated that mutations in polarity regulators are relevant genetic events in PDAC development. These findings highlight the need to investigate the tumour suppressive functions of polarity genes in PDAC and their clinical potential to identify novel strategies for patient stratification and therapeutic intervention.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(05) 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 estimated worldwide cost of $113 billion 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.
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.
With this project, we aim for a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena of MIC, delivering novel mitigating strategies that will lead to next-generation surface design principles.
The appointed student will enrol in the NBIC Doctoral Training Centre, to be trained as an interdisciplinary scientist at the interface between physical and life sciences. Three external placements will be offered during the PhD, to develop technical skills, knowledge exchange know-how, and awareness of business practice in the innovation sector.
Deadline : 15 June 2025
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(06) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Social influences on fertility in group-living mammals
To investigate how social relationships influence fertility under varying circumstances, the student will design experiments using wild house mice under carefully controlled naturalistic conditions. This approach will allow manipulation of key variables in the social environment (e.g. opportunities for dispersal, levels of within-group relatedness, age asymmetry, resource competition or social group size). Tests will quantify behavioural and physiological responses to contrasting conditions, to assess how changes in the social environment can impact fertility and reproductive skew of group-living mammals.
Deadline : Open until filled
(07) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Targeting oral fibroblast-epithelial lipid metabolic crosstalk in the prevention of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma PhD
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive cancer with particularly poor survival outcomes in the North-West of England. With limited effective therapies there remains a critical need to develop new strategies to detect and prevent the disease at its earliest stages to improve patient outcomes.
This PhD project will investigate how fibroblasts—key regulatory and structural cells in the tumour microenvironment—drive the early development of HNSCC through their metabolic interactions. Our research focuses on lipids secreted by fibroblasts which are taken up and metabolised by HNSCC cells to promote aggressive behaviours such as invasion, proliferation, and resistance to cell death.
This project will explore how these fibroblast-derived lipids influence the development of premalignant lesions (oral dysplasia) and progression to early-stage HNSCC, and whether targeting this lipid metabolism could represent a novel strategy for cancer prevention. The overarching aim is to uncover how metabolic crosstalk between fibroblasts and epithelial cells shapes early tumour evolution, and how these interactions can be disrupted to halt disease progression.
This interdisciplinary project will combine cutting-edge lipidomics, proteomics, and functional co-culture models to comprehensively profile metabolic phenotypes of fibroblasts from normal, dysplastic, and HNSCC tissues. Findings will be integrated with patient-derived clinical samples to identify biomarkers of cancer risk and progression, with strong potential for translational impact.
Deadline : 1 October 2025
(08) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Advancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology Through Multifunctional Inverse Vulcanized Polymers: A Path Toward Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their high theoretical energy density and the abundance, low cost, and environmental compatibility of sulfur. However, practical applications are limited by several persistent challenges, including the shuttle effect, poor electrical conductivity of sulfur, and large volume changes during cycling. These issues lead to poor cycle stability, low Coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity fading.
This project aims to address these limitations by designing and synthesizing novel sulfur-rich polymers through inverse vulcanization (1,2). By selecting crosslinkers with specific functional groups, the study seeks to enhance the chemical confinement of long-chain lithium polysulfides, thereby mitigating the shuttle effect (3). This approach aims to improve the stability and cycling performance of Li-S batteries while addressing the mechanical challenges posed by sulfur’s volume expansion. The candidate will develop tailored polymer compositions and incorporate nitrogen-doped carbon to further enhance electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance. Additionally, various material processing methods will be utilized to fabricate cathode material with tailored architectures to support high sulfur loading while maintaining structural robustness. Advanced characterization techniques—including in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and operando AFM-SECM—will be used to probe the electrochemical mechanisms and guide materials optimization.
Deadline : 2 June 2025
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(09) 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 Professor 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.
The project is based in the Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool, a state-of-the-art facility for the digital and automated design and discovery of materials. The project will make use of tools developed in the multi-disciplinary EPSRC Programme Grant: “Digital Navigation of Chemical Space for Function” and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, that seek to develop a new approach to materials design and discovery, exploiting machine learning and symbolic artificial intelligence, demonstrated by the realisation of new functional inorganic materials. Examples include the first tools to guarantee the correct prediction of a crystal structure (Nature 68, 619, 2023), and to learn the entirety of known crystalline inorganic materials and guide discovery (Nature Communications 12, 5561, 2021).
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(10) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Combining Raman and SRS imaging to probe drug distribution in mammalian cells
This is an exciting PhD project within the Centre for Metabolomics Research at the University of Liverpool. This project will harness the cutting-edge power of vibrational spectroscopy by developing advanced Raman spectroscopy, optical-photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to map the distribution of drugs and xenometabolites within mammalian cells, achieving unprecedented spatial and chemical resolution.
Deadline : Open until filled
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(11) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Combining operando X-ray and Raman spectroscopy for battery material characterisation
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to carry out frontier battery PhD research in leading laboratories within the UK and within international synchrotron facilities in France? Then this PhD opportunity could be for you.
The aim of the PhD project is to combine within a single measurement: in situ Raman and in situ x-ray spectroscopy and scattering methods for the study of battery materials. The two methods are complementary, providing chemical and structural information at diverse length and time scales and with different sensitivity, thereby allow the chemical and structural correlation during the cycling of the battery electrode.
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.
The successful student will obtain training in Raman spectroscopy and introduction into experiments from the Hardwick group based in the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy. The student will obtain training in X-ray methodologies from the Grunder group and through placements at the XMaS beamline at the European synchrotron facility in Grenoble, France. The XMaS facility is the EPSRC mid-range facility for X-ray material characterisation in the UK.
Deadline : 30 June 2025
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(12) 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
(13) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Discovery of new inorganic materials for net zero applications
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. Examples include ion motion and redox chemistry in batteries for transport and grid storage, solar absorbers for photovoltaic technologies, rare-earth-free magnets for wind power, catalysts for biomass conversion or water splitting for hydrogen generation, components in low-energy information technology and myriad other unmet needs.
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
(14) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Experimental Discovery of New Ionic Conducting Materials
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 : 31 August 2025
(15) 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.
This project will focus on high-throughput synthesis of porous materials and the development of a proof-of-concept analytical technique for rapid AWH.
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 improvement of material discovery and the assessment of their performance for water uptake.
The main goal of the project will be to accelerate the discovery and optimisation of advanced porous materials and analytical methods by developing a proof-of concept workflows for rapid AWH.
Deadline : 31 July 2025
(16) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-Throughout Materials Discovery and Analysis for Water Contaminant Removal
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. Water comtaination, remains a critical concern, with pollutants ranging from heavy metals to complex organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, dyes, and persistent plastics such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Of particular concern are short-chain PFAS, which exhibit high mobility, persistence, and resistance to conventional removal methods. Traditional screening methods of materials and analysis for contaminant removal from water are laborious and slow, limiting progress.
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.
We are looking for candidates with an enthusiasm for research, multidisciplinary collaboration and tackling challenging problems through teamwork. We are targeting candidates with an BSc and MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering or engineering for this post.
Deadline : 31 July 2025
(17) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High-throughput exploration of multicomponent metal organic frameworks (MOFs)
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.
Experimental work will be enabled by instrumentation and methods that are already established and available in the research group of Prof Rosseinsky, together with world-class characterization and synthetic facilities available within the Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool, a state-of-the-art facility for the digital and automated design and discovery of materials.
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(18) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High Entropy Alloys for new PGM (Platinum Group Metal) applications
The energy transition is resulting in a shift in the markets for Platinum Group Metals (PGM: Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir & Ru) with most demand coming from the catalytic convertors in petrol and diesel engines. With the move to sustainable fuels and alternative powertrains the demand on these metals will inevitably shift with platinum having applications across the hydrogen ecosystem, predominantly in fuel cells and electrolysers, but the demand for Rh and Pd expected to fall. This provides an opportunity for new applications for PGM to be developed, especially in combination with other metallic elements in high entropy alloys (HEAs).
HEAs are complex, substitutionally disordered materials that offer a vast experimental space for discovery of catalysts but moving beyond random, conventional, discovery pathways remain a challenge. This project will develop and establish a high-throughput workflow to prepare and characterise arrays of HEAs using reported solution-based synthesis routes to discover new PGM containing HEA compositions and evaluate their properties. Informed by the results of the high-throughput workflow further characterisation tools will be developed to select new HEAs as catalyst candidates. This may involve creating machine learning models to aid in the selection of new libraries of materials.
This project will develop and exploit a high-throughput workflow for the discovery of new PGM containing high-entropy alloys, addressing an important industrial challenge in the net zero era. The workflow will use existing automated systems available in the group e.g. automated weighing and liquid dispensing, and design and develop new tools to enable the specific chemistry required for this project e.g. the thermal treatment of arrays of the precursors to form the HEA nanoparticles.
Deadline : 30 June 2025
(19) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: High Throughput Discovery of Iridium Free OER Catalysts
Iridium and iridium oxide are the major industrially utilised catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in proton exchange membrane water electrolysers due to their high activity and stability. Research into new catalysts is driven by the need to thrift iridium out of the catalyst structure to both reduce electrolyser costs and ensure global iridium supply is sufficient for future world demands. Ruthenium oxides can replace iridium because of their excellent activity, lower cost and the higher natural abundance of ruthenium but suffer from low stability and poor catalyst lifetime. Heteroatom doping of ruthenium oxide is a promising pathway to stabilise Ru, although the number of potential dopants, different stabilisation mechanisms and synergistic effects of dopants on other performance affecting properties such as crystallinity, means identifying the optimal heteroatom dopants and catalyst compositions is presently challenging.
In this project we will exploit a high-throughput magnetron sputtering workflow developed in the group to synthesise, characterise and screen thin film compositional arrays of doped ruthenium oxides to discover the optimal heteroatoms for stability and performance under OER conditions. The project will require the development of automated protocols for acid stability of the compositions. High performing compositions identified from the thin film arrays will be scaled up using conventional synthesis methods and validated under industrially applicable conditions.
Other Johnson Matthey supported students are developing automated data analysis tools and machine learning models which will be used in the project to assist in the understanding of the workflow outputs and deciding on which compositions to explore in subsequent arrays.
Deadline : 30 June 2025
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(20) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Identification and quantification of PFAS using a combination of metabolomics and Raman spectroscopy
This PhD proposal is to develop robust analyses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and any metabolites generated using a combined approach of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and vibrational spectroscopy. LC-MS will enable precise identification and quantification of PFAS in human biofluids and environmental samples through solid-phase extraction (SPE) and prior LC using both reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), providing high sensitivity, selectivity and coverage. In this complementary programme of work, Raman spectroscopy will offer rapid, non-destructive molecular fingerprinting, useful for screening and structural characterization, especially of solid-phase or surface-bound PFAS. Moreover, the PFAS Raman spectra are entirely predictable with computational modelling and chemical maps of PFAS can show their distribution on surfaces, and we expect the same from optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy that can be collected simultaneously with Raman spectra. This dual-method approach enhances analytical confidence by cross-validating results and broadening detection capabilities. The integrated use of MS-based metabolomics and Raman spectroscopy will support comprehensive PFAS monitoring, aiding in contamination assessment and regulatory compliance.
Training:
- Roy Goodacre (CMR) will supervise mass spectrometry-based studies on PFAS and any metabolites found in environmental systems
- Howbeer Muhamadali (CMR) will supervise Raman and O-PTIR spectroscopy analyses on PFAS as well as data processing aspects of the project.
- Adam Burke (CMR) will supervise the MS optimisation and analyses of PFAS.
Deadline : Open until filled
(21) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Improving Mechanistic Understanding of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) using High-Entropy Alloy (HEA) Catalysts via Computational Techniques
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have emerged as promising electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), exhibiting distinctive catalytic behaviour compared to conventional catalysts. Unlike pure metallic elements, the HER activity of elements within an HEA is significantly altered due to complex inter-element interactions affected by different composition, atom distribution and facet exposure. These interactions might influence catalysts’ crystal structure, electronic structure, and further HER activity. However, the mechanistic understanding for enhanced HER performance using HEA catalysts with the consideration of component, atom distribution and facets effects remains incomplete and unclear.
In this project, we will employ density functional theory (DFT) combined with machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to investigate the interplay between inter-element interactions, structural and electronic properties of HEAs and their root causes affecting HER activity. Furthermore, we will develop simple chemical models and descriptors that elucidate these relationships, providing a deeper understanding of the principles governing HER activity in HEAs and aim at offering rational designs of optimal HEA compositions and structures for efficient HER catalytic performance.
The successful candidate will spend two years at NTHU under the direct supervisions of Prof Chen, benefiting from her experience in applying computational methods to surface science and the hydrogen evolution reaction. The student will then complete their studies at the University of Liverpool. Dr Dyer will supervise the student during this time, introducing skills in working with machine learned interatomic potentials and crystal structure prediction.
Deadline : 2 June 2025
(22) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Novel Sustainable and Smart Polymers
Polymers are commonly used in a broad spectrum of applications, due to their distinctive characteristics, such as low density, high ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and easy processing. However, the majority of polymers are still made from non-renewable, fossil fuel-derived chemicals. Some of these polymers are difficult to recycle or contain substances which may soon be banned from use. So, there is an urgent need for new sustainable polymers which are renewable, recyclable and do not contain persistent or harmful substances. This project aims to design and synthesise novel, sustainable and smart polymers for a specific application. The smart behaviour may, for example, be self-healing, stimuli-responsive, or shape-memory, to meet emerging demands for smart materials and devices. The new polymers will be characterised using a wide range of techniques, followed by the manufacture of prototypes and evaluation of their performance. Depending on the student’s knowledge and interest, the chosen application may be packaging, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, energy, electronics, sensors, or soft robotics. Other research projects relevant to polymers or polymer nanocomposites may also be considered.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(23) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Organic Radicals and Diradicaloid for Single-Molecule Electronics and Quantum Information Processing
We have pioneered the synthesis and characterisation of organic radicals as single molecule junctions (Angewandte Chemie 2022), demonstrating their unique promise, along with enhanced, non-ohmic/non-linear charge transport (Angewandte Chemie 2024), and with very interesting transistor-like behaviour. However, there are still challenges and unknowns that we want to tackle and explore.
With this project, we want to focus on non-Kekulé radicals: conjugated hydrocarbon that cannot be assigned a classical Kekulé structure. These materials are reactive and tend to decompose at room temperature, but we have developed several strategies towards the isolation of bench-stable derivatives which will be applied in this work.
Through this studentship, the successful candidate will:
- Gain expertise in the synthesis of organic radicals, diradicals and radicaloids
- Contribute to the activities of a diverse research group operating at the boundary between chemistry and nanotechnology, ranging from advanced nanofabrication to cryogenic measurements, pioneering nanoscale characterisation and chemical synthesis
- Gain interdisciplinary experience by being involved in our collaborative network with partners from all corners of the world.
Some teaching duties may be required.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(24) 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.
The purpose of this project is to systematically study light emission from single molecule devices, with the aim of developing a molecular, on-demand, single-photon source that can be operated reliably at room temperature.
As part of the studentship, the successful candidate will:
- Gain expertise in nano- and micro-fabrication, self-assembly, molecular photonics and molecular electronics
- Contribute to the activities of a diverse research group operating at the boundary between chemistry and nanotechnology, ranging from advanced nanofabrication to cryogenic measurements, pioneering nanoscale characterisation and chemical synthesis
- Gain interdisciplinary experience by being involved in our collaborative network with partners from all corners of the world.
Deadline : 30 September 2025
(25) 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.
The project is based in the Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool, a state-of-the-art facility for the digital and automated design and discovery of materials. The project will make use of tools developed in the multi-disciplinary EPSRC Programme Grant: “Digital Navigation of Chemical Space for Function” and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design, that seek to develop a new approach to materials design and discovery, exploiting machine learning and symbolic artificial intelligence, demonstrated by the realisation of new functional inorganic materials. Examples include the first tools to guarantee the correct prediction of a crystal structure (Nature 68, 619, 2023), and to learn the entirety of known crystalline inorganic materials and guide discovery (Nature Communications 12, 5561, 2021).
Deadline : 31 August 2025
(26) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Fairness and Diversity in Graphs Algorithms
This project pioneers the integration of fairness and diversity into graph algorithm design, addressing critical theoretical and computational challenges. Through innovative approaches to, e.g., diverse community detection, subgraph discovery, and scalable graph decomposition, the research directly contributes to the development of ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible graph algorithms with real-world impact.
Deadline : 2 June 2025
(27) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Real-Time Subsampled Analysis and Recovery for High-Resolution 3D Tomography
Based at the University of Liverpool, the successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge supercomputing facilities and work within the Signal Processing Group, collaborating with experts across areas such as Bayesian methods, machine learning, image and radar processing, data fusion, and energy-efficient computing.
Deadline : 11 July 2025
(28) PhD Degree – Fully Funded
PhD position summary/title: Trustworthy-by-Design Autonomous AI Systems
This PhD project aims to advance the design of trustworthy-by-design autonomous AI systems by integrating methodologies from formal verification, automated planning, and recent advances in large language models (LLMs). The project will investigate automated synthesis and planning techniques that generate system controllers whose behaviour provably satisfies high-level specifications. It will explore how LLMs can be used to align system behaviour with human intent, enabling functionalities such as task refinement, natural-language-based goal specification, and multi-task scheduling. Furthermore, the project will develop probabilistic verification techniques to diagnose the root causes of task failures and iteratively refine task plans to improve reliability and robustness. Through this integration, the project seeks to build autonomous systems capable of explaining and adapting their behaviour transparently and verifiably.
Deadline : 30 June 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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