PhD Studentship: New Single-Molecule Tools to Study Self-Assembly
Develop advanced single-molecule microscopy instrumentation to investigate protein complex assembly and T-cell activation.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in physics or chemistry who enjoy hands-on instrumentation development, coding, and biophysical research.
Overview
This PhD position offers the opportunity to join a newly established research group at the University of Warwick, focusing on the intersection of physical chemistry and biophysics. The successful candidate will design and build a next-generation spatial-spectral microscope to observe protein self-assembly at the single-molecule level. Beyond instrumentation development, the project involves implementing imaging experiments, numerical simulations, and chemical dynamics analyses to study T-cell activation. As the first PhD student in the lab, the researcher will play a significant role in shaping the group's experimental capabilities and research direction.
What you'll do
- Design and construct a new single-molecule microscope, including electronics and automation programming.
- Develop and implement single-molecule imaging experiments to observe molecular assembly.
- Perform data and image analysis using numerical simulations and chemical dynamics models.
- Prepare biological samples and perform cell culture for imaging studies.
- Collaborate with international research partners in Göttingen, Geneva, and Durham.
- Contribute to the establishment and operational development of the new research group.
Requirements
Degree required: Undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong background in physical chemistry or physics.
- Experience or strong interest in building scientific apparatus.
- Proficiency in programming for instrument automation.
- Ability to perform data analysis and numerical simulations.
- Must hold or expect to obtain a strong undergraduate degree by the project start date.
- Open to all qualified candidates; under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
- Funding is restricted to UK students at the UKRI rate.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2027-01-31
Interested candidates should submit their application through the University of Warwick's online postgraduate application portal. Informal enquiries regarding the project or the group should be directed to the supervisor via email.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
Contact
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.