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- Tasks: Develop autonomous microswimmers inspired by nature, exploring their movement and potential biomedical applications.
- Company: University of Surrey, collaborating with international research partners.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD with a stipend of £20,780 per year and hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant interdisciplinary team and make a real impact in physics and biology.
- Qualifications: Background in physics, biophysics, biological physics, or bioengineering required.
- Other info: Opportunities for lab visits abroad and presenting at international conferences.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Are you fascinated by working at the intersection of physics and synthetic biology? This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to develop autonomous microswimmers, which are bioinspired structures at the micrometre scale that can propel themselves through fluids, mimicking natural swimming organisms such as bacteria forms. Using biological building blocks found in cells and encapsulating them inside vesicles, you will engineer and investigate synthetic microswimmers capable of generating propulsion forces, uncovering the new fundamental principles that govern their movement.
The physics of swimming on these small length scales is fundamentally different to that when we swim. By characterizing their swimming dynamics and the mechanical deformations caused by the encapsulated active biomolecules, you will explore ways to control their motion in 3D space. Synthetic microswimmers have many potential biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and non‑invasive medical treatments. The swimmers could take drugs right up to cancerous cells.
This project offers hands‑on training in cutting‑edge techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, and biomolecular encapsulation. You will collaborate with leading scientists at the University of Surrey and international research partners (Prof. Yutaka Sumino, Tokyo, Japan), gaining exposure to both theoretical and experimental aspects of the field. Opportunities for lab visits abroad will further enrich your research experience. You will be part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment, working closely with physicists, biologists, and engineers. You will also have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences, expanding your network and gaining valuable experience in scientific communication.
Entry requirements
- Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.
- Starting in October 2026. Later start dates may be possible, please contact Dr Isabella Guido once deadline passes.
- You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.
- We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a background in physics, biophysics, biological physics, or bioengineering.
- This PhD project will primarily focus on experimental research, which will include data analysis and there is scope for modelling of the swimmers.
- The ideal candidate will have a passion for interdisciplinary research at the intersections of physics and biology.
- Due to the requirements of the funding organisation, only UK‑based students can be selected.
- The candidate must meet the minimum requirements for our PhD programme.
- Applications will be considered on a rolling base.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted via the PhD Physics programme page. In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.
Funding
Fully and directly funded for this project only. UKRI standard stipend – £20,780 per year for 2025/26 academic year. Funded for 3.5 years.
Application deadline
30 January 2026
Start date
October 2026
Enquiries
Contact Dr Isabella Guido
Ref PGR-2526-007
PhD Studentship:Building Synthetic Self-Propelled Cells for Bioinspired Motion in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
Contact Detail:
University of Surrey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship:Building Synthetic Self-Propelled Cells for Bioinspired Motion in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in your field. They can provide insider info about the application process and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When discussing your interest in synthetic biology and physics, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your submission stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship:Building Synthetic Self-Propelled Cells for Bioinspired Motion in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Project: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand the PhD project. Dive into the details about synthetic microswimmers and their applications. This will help you tailor your application to show how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. We want to see your passion and skills, but make sure you get to the point without fluff. Highlight your relevant experience in physics or bioengineering clearly so we can see why you're a great fit!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your excitement for interdisciplinary research shine through! Mention any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the intersection of physics and biology. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about what they do.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application via the PhD Physics programme page on our website. It's the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows you're following our guidelines!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Surrey
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of physics and synthetic biology. Understand the principles behind microswimmers and be ready to discuss how they mimic natural organisms. This shows your passion and preparedness for the project.
✨Show Your Interdisciplinary Edge
Highlight any experience you have that bridges physics and biology. Whether it's coursework, projects, or research, make it clear how your background aligns with the interdisciplinary nature of the PhD. This will demonstrate your fit for the vibrant research environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, the techniques involved, and the collaboration opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position is right for you. Think about how you can contribute to the team!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Research Interests
Have a clear idea of what aspects of the project excite you the most. Be prepared to talk about your previous research experiences and how they relate to the work you'll be doing. This will help you stand out as a motivated candidate.
