Making nanoscale materials: precision fabrication of high-performance functional structures

About the project

About the Project Supervisory Team: Dr Daniel Zabek This project focuses on exploring high-precision lithographic fabrication techniques for the development of multifunctional material structures at the nanoscale, with applications in wireless energy and information transfer, and in biomedicine. Recent developments in the field of nanoparticles enable the fabrication of structures whose unique responses and functionalities arise from collective effects that cannot be achieved with any single material alone. In these systems, function follows form where precise fabrication and assembly of magnetic nanoparticles allow the creation of carefully engineered nanostructures embedded within electrically insulating materials. Such structures can be controlled and manipulated using a variety of external stimuli, including magnetic, optical, electrical, and mechanical forces. This project focuses on the development of nanostructures for a range of applications, including energy and biomedicine. The project will employ lithographic techniques for the fabrication of nanostructures and will be based at the University of Southampton within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and students. Opportunities for travel will be available through national and international research collaborations, as well as attendance at workshops and conferences. You'll receive training in nanoparticle synthesis at the School of Engineering, alongside cutting-edge device fabrication and characterisation at the School of Physics and the Southampton Nanofabrication Centre. Additional training opportunities will arise through close collaborations with the School of Biosciences. Entry requirements You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent . Applications will be considered in the order they are received. However, we may close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified. Fees and funding We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants. The total estimated stipend (including tuition fees) for UK students is £98,793, tax-free, over 3.5 years, while the competitively funded international stipend (including tuition fees) is £184,215, tax-free, over 3.5 years. The stipend includes a discretionary fund for training and travel. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages. How to apply Apply now You need to: choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences select Full time or Part time search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175) add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application Applications should include: research proposal your CV (resumé) 2 academic references degree transcripts and certificates to date English language qualification (if applicable) Contact us Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences If you have a general question, feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk . Project leader For an initial conversation, D.A.Zabek@soton.ac.uk . The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Research areas