Current Opportunities
Three PhD positions available!
1. PhD position in Electrochemistry of Microbial cells
Microbial induced corrosion via local electrochemical processes initiated by bacteria is a serious economic problem that costs an estimated $113 Bn p.a worldwide.
Local electrochemical processes drive such corrosion via direct metal-to-bioorganism charge transfer, electron shuttle phenomena, or electrochemical processes mediated by chemicals produced by bacteria. The project will adopt a combined surface spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, local electrochemistry and bio-imaging approach to understand the origin and mechanism of microbial corrosion.
The PhD will include:
- Interdisciplinary science
- Advanced nano-fabrication, nano-imaging and spectroscopic techniques.
The student will register at the University of Liverpool and enrol in NBIC’s Doctoral Training Centre which trains inter-disciplinary PhD researchers at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences.
- Provide high level training and mentorship in research and entrepreneurship
- Join a National Network of leading Research Groups in the UK
- Join a community of leading companies in the UK.
Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Materials Science, Microbiology or Engineering. Applications should be made as soon as possible. Candidates will be evaluated as applications are received and the position will be filled if a suitable candidate is identified. The deadline for applications 1st of September 2025
For enquires address your CV and cover letter to Lucy Jones (Lucy.Jones2@liverpool.ac.uk)
Supervisory team
Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool
Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick
2. PhD position in Understanding Microbial Colonisation of Surfaces via Correlative Spectroscopic Imaging
Microbial attachment to surfaces is an initial step leading to biofilm formation, where numerous microorganisms live together in a sophisticated colony. The impact of biofilms on global economies is almost $5trillion per annum. There is an urgent need to prevent bacterial colonisation of surfaces across multiple industrial sectors. This PhD project aims create an in depth understanding of microbe-surface interactions and attachment using advanced imaging techniques that will deliver insights into how biological systems interact and adapt to man-made technologies.
The BBSRC supported PhD project is in collaboration with Bruker Ltd, a global supplier of high-performance scientific instruments and analytical solutions for life and materials sciences.
The PhD will involve:
- interdisciplinary science
- Investigation of microbe-surface interaction events at the single cell and small colony level
- advanced nano-fabrication, nano-imaging and spectroscopic techniques
The student will register at the University of Liverpool and enrol in NBIC’s Doctoral Training Centre which trains inter-disciplinary PhD researchers at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences.
- Provide high level training and mentorship in research and entrepreneurship
- Join a National Network of leading Research Groups in the UK
- Join a community of leading companies in the UK
Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Biophysics, Materials Science, Microbiology or Engineering. Applications should be made as soon as possible .Candidates will be evaluated as applications are received, and the position will be filled if a suitable candidate is identified. The deadline for applications 1st September 2025
For enquiries address your CV and cover letter to Lucy Jones (Lucy.Jones2@liverpool.ac.uk)
Supervisory team
Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool
Industrial supervisor, Bruker UK Ltd
3. PhD position in Mapping Bacterial Interactions in Biofilm Colonies
Biofilms are highly sophisticated colonies of microorganisms that are attached to a surface and encased within a sticky, protective matrix. These biofilm colonies are a key challenge in healthcare, due to their tolerance to traditional antibiotics, leading to chronic infections. There is an urgent global need to prevent biofilm colonies from forming or growing. This is a challenging subject requiring a truly interdisciplinary science approach. This project will combine advanced imaging and spectroscopic techniques across Physical and Life Sciences to obtain in-depth understanding of bacteria-surface and bacteria-bacteria interactions in early biofilm formation, from the single cell level upwards.
The BBSRC supported PhD project is in collaboration with Symcel, a Swedish based company specialised in biocalorimetry.
The PhD will involve:
- interdisciplinary science
- Advanced microscopy, super-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy techniques
- BioCalorimtery, biofilm standard methods development
The student will register at the University of Liverpool and enrol in NBIC’s Doctoral Training Centre which trains inter-disciplinary PhD researchers at the Interface of Physical and Life Sciences.
- Provide high level training and mentorship in research and entrepreneurship
- Join a National Network of leading Research Groups in the UK
- Join a community of leading companies in the UK
Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Materials Science, Microbiology or Engineering. Applications should be made as soon as possible .Candidates will be evaluated as applications are received, and the position will be filled if a suitable candidate is identified. The deadline for applications 1st September 2025
For enquiries address your CV and cover letter to Lucy Jones (Lucy.Jones2@liverpool.ac.uk)
Supervisory team
Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool
Centre for Cell Imaging, University of Liverpool
Industrial supervisor, Symcel
Doctoral Training Centre in Biofilms Innovation, Technology and Engineering
The Doctoral Training Centre in Biofilms Innovation, Technology and Engineering (BITE) will train PhD researchers at the interface of Physical and Life Sciences to understand the behaviour of biofilms, which are central to the global challenges of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Health, Food Security, Clean Water and Energy.
BITE is a world class interdisciplinary partnership between Universities of Liverpool, Edinburgh, Nottingham and Southampton, all core founding partners of the £26.5M National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC).
What are Biofilms?
Biofilms are communities of micro-organisms that stick to each other within a matrix or at a surface and represent the dominant mode of life for bacteria on earth. Biofilms impact on a ~$5 trillion global economic activity, approximately twice the UK’s GDP, and impact on health and major UK industrial sectors.
BITE DTC provides a unique training experience to the next generation of research leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs so that they can deliver breakthrough science and technologies in the cross-disciplinary field of biofilms. The four partner universities, alongside international institutes, major national facilities and a large industrial consortium have come together to deliver the UK’s first graduate training centre that will address the skills and knowledge gap in the biofilms field. Our research will span the fields of physical, mathematical, engineering, life and clinical sciences.
BITE PhD projects will
- Drive international research challenges by working with leading groups in the partner universities and by encompassing exceptional interdisciplinarity to revolutionise training in the biofilms field
- Involve cohort training with students across the four institutions creating a highly-networked DTC community whose access to a world-leading infrastructure and knowledge-base will enable it to compete with the international best
- Embed innovation and entrepreneurship to catalyse high impact translation of ideas into technology and enhance the business and career prospects of its students
- Involve participation of stakeholders, including industry, government departments and laboratories, charities, NHS, external and internal research institutes for example, through NBIC collaborations
- Instill skills of effective leadership, clear communication and problem solving.
All research projects fit within the following BITE research themes:
Biofilm prevention
Design of surfaces, interfaces and materials to prevent biofilms.
Biofilm detection
Innovative sensing, tracking and diagnostic technologies to detect biofilms.
Biofilm management
Kill, remove or control established biofilms from exploiting their life cycle dynamics.
Biofilm engineering
Control and direct complex microbial communities in process applications.