About the Project
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in theoretical and computational soft matter and biological physics to work with Prof. Suzanne Fielding in the Department of Physics at Durham University.
Depending on the interests of the applicant, the project could be mainly computational or could combine numerics with analytical work.
Its overall aims will be to understand the deformation and flow behaviour of so-called yield stress materials, which keep their shape like solids at low loads, yet flow like a liquid at larger loads. One possible focus could be on the dynamical process whereby a material in an initially solid-like state firsts yields and starts to flow, and in particular on the statistical physics of how initially sparse plastic events in an otherwise elastic background then spatio-temporally cooperate to result in an emergent macroscopic flow.
Besides the immediate applications of this work to soft matter physics, and potentially also to the fracture mechanics of hard materials, yielding also governs geological processes such as landslides, avalanches and lava flows. It also determines the reshaping of biological tissue under the internal stresses caused by cell division, including during embryo development or tumour growth. Depending on the interests of the candidate, the project could develop a more specific focus on any of these particular areas of research.
The research will draw on concepts of statistical physics, nonlinear dynamical systems theory, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics and related fields.
For more information about the condensed matter physics section at Durham University please see here.
Sponsor: EPSRC
Name of supervisor(s): Prof Suzanne Fielding
Eligibility Criteria: You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home, international and EU candidates.
If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills) or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
How to apply: You must apply through the University’s admission system: How to Apply - Durham University. One application can be used for multiple projects.
You will need to:
- Provide the project title and supervisor’s name under the ‘Programme Related Information’ section.
- Provide details of any funding you have secured or intend to apply for under ‘Additional Information – Funding Information’. This may include CSC, DDS, STFC or EPSRC funding. Please select ‘Other Funding’ and enter the details in the text box provided. You can also include this information under ‘Programme Related Information’.
- Upload your CV under the ‘Experience’ section by selecting ‘Yes’ and uploading the document.
- Upload a personal statement/cover letter under the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
- Provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs, no longer than one page, outlining your research interests under the ‘Research Proposal’ section.
- Upload your degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, evidence of your English language qualifications.
- Provide details for two academic referees, including their email addresses, so that we can contact them directly. Please ensure you consent to the University contacting your referees when completing your application.
Contact: For informal enquiries please contact nicholas.bristowe@durham.ac.uk (general) or suzanne.fielding@durham.ac.uk (project specific).
Funding Notes
This EPSRC studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis between projects. Besides these EPSRC studentships, interested candidates may also consider external sources of funding which they may be eligible for.
Start date and duration October 2027 (3.5 Years)