PhD Studentship - Mechanosensitive Nanochannels

Application deadline: All year round

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply (more details can be found here). The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026. 

Self-funded home and overseas students are welcome to apply.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Nano- and Angstrom-scale capillaries have been studied intensively because of their importance in many natural phenomena and use in numerous applications. Embarking on a groundbreaking PhD journey, this research endeavours to revolutionize the landscape of biomimetics by developing artificial nanochannels inspired by biological mechanosensitive receptors. With a focus on mimicking the exquisite touch, force, pressure, and nuanced responses to various physical stresses found in human skin, the proposed nanochannels will be meticulously crafted from cutting-edge 2D materials. Leveraging the unique properties of these materials, such as graphene or other two-dimensional structures, our aim is to engineer nanochannels that not only respond to mechanical deformation but also enable controlled ion flows, mirroring the sensory sophistication of natural receptors. The primary aim of this research is to design and develop artificial nanochannels capable of mimicking the diverse sensory functions of biological mechanosensitive receptors. Specifically, the focus is on creating nanochannels that enable ion flows to distinguish between touch, force, pressure, and various forms of physical stress. This involves:

1. Designing Nanochannels with Variable Sensitivity: Develop nanochannels with the ability to modulate ion flow in response to different magnitudes of mechanical stress, thereby mimicking the varied sensitivity of biological mechanosensitive receptors.
2. Implementing Selective Ion Permeability: Engineer the nanochannels to exhibit selective ion permeability, allowing for the distinction between different types of mechanical stimuli. This can be achieved by controlling the size, shape, and chemical properties of the nanochannels.
3. Integrating Signal Processing Mechanisms: Incorporate signal processing mechanisms within the artificial receptors to interpret the ion flow patterns and generate distinct electrical signals corresponding to touch, force, pressure, and various forms of physical stress.

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor, Prof Radha Boya, before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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