[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Microfluidic Manufacturing of Metamaterials

About the project

About the Project Hard-wired into our smartphones, internet routers and motorized vehicles are small electronic circuits for telecommunications. These micro-electro-mechanical systems receive and transmit electromagnetic waves – in particular, radio frequency (RF) waves – over large distances, enabling the technology on which our hyper-connected society is based. Typically, modern radio frequency telecommunications technology is manufactured via lithographic printing of semiconductor materials. The purpose of this PhD is to develop a method of manufacturing liquid metamaterials capable of attenuating specific frequencies of electromagnetic radiation whilst flowing like a fluid and reconfiguring their shape dynamically. The proposed method will use microfluidic technology to encapsulate small-scale resonator units inside liquid droplets, enabling high-throughput production and the formulation of suspensions with a photonic band gap. Liquid metamaterials based on photo-responsive droplet dispersions could find application in flexible, wearable technology for telecommunications. The appointed PhD student will join the Physics of Fluids & Soft Matter group – a vibrant team of interdisciplinary researchers focused on researching the dynamics and instabilities of complex systems, from bubble flows to soft tissues. The group currently has 12 members, including four permanent members of academic staff (Dr Draga Pihler-Puzović, Dr Finn Box, Dr Raveen Tank and Prof Anne Juel) and a laboratory technician (Martin Quinn), and houses the laboratories of the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics, which was founded in 2000 by the Departments of Physics and Mathematics to ally quantitative experimental investigations with cutting edge approaches in mathematical and numerical modelling of complex systems. MCND builds on Manchester's outstanding pedigree in fundamental mechanics to provide a modern, multidisciplinary training environment of high international profile, which is unique in the UK. As part of the PhD, the appointed student will develop expertise in microfabrication, microfluidics, interfacial physics and photonics, experimental design, data analysis and research communication. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in physics, engineering, chemistry or maths (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in physics, engineering, chemistry or maths (or international equivalent). This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoNS

Research areas