Structure Function Relationship in Multicomponent Biopolymer Encapsulation Materials

About this opportunity

Encapsulation materials (microcapsules) offer an attractive “control-release” technology for the dispersion of small volatile substances with scent that breaks mechanically in contact with a physical input such as adsorption on fabrics. This encapsulation approach introduces a protective shell around the cargo (i.e., fragrance) to form a capsule the shell acting as a diffusion barrier enhancing the retention of the cargo. However, the current understanding of the core-shell structure, specifically with respect to the permeation of the cargo, the surface chemistry and the interaction between the various components, is currently hampered by the lack of non-invasive method that allows detailed atomic-scale understanding of all constituents of these multicomponent, multiphase complex materials.

This studentship will allow a highly motivated candidate to develop and exploit NMR approaches supported by complementary techniques, to deliver new chemical understanding capabilities in encapsulated materials. The successful applicant will join an international and multidisciplinary research team that will provide complete student training, skills and development, ensuring strong employability, supported by an industrial research environment. The project is based in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Liverpool, which is an international centre of excellence for the chemistry of advanced materials, and has ample opportunities to secondments with Unilever at the Materials Innovation Factory to gain hands-on experience/appreciation with facilities in an industrial setting. The successful applicant will also have access to state-of-the-art local NMR facilities operating at up to 18.8 T (800 MHz 1H frequency), be able to perform experiments at world-leading large scale NMR research facilities including at the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility, and expand their research vision and interest by attending (inter)national conferences.

Further reading

T. Lobel et al., ACS AMI, 2024, 40326.

Zheng et al., ACS AMI, 2025, 22756.

R. P. Cosquer et al., Mol. Pharma. 2025, 5870.

Who is this for?

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field or significant relevant experience will also be considered.

Funding your PhD

The funding for this position is from an EPSRC DTP studentship,  which details of eligibility are given on the EPSRC website, with additional support from Unilever. Only applications from candidates meeting these criteria will be considered.

Applications from non-UK/non-EU candidates will not be considered unless you have your own funding to cover the difference between UK/EU and non-UK/EU fees (around £22,000).

The award will cover full tuition fees of £5,006 per annum and pay a maintenance grant (stipend) for 3.5 years. The stipend starts at the UKRI minimum for the academic year 2025/2026 of £20,780 full time tax free per year for living costs and will rise each year with inflation. The studentship also comes with a research training support grant to fund consumables, and other research expenses.

We want all of our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.