PhD Studentship: Bioinspired fluidic metamaterials for passive directional water transport
Overview
The University of Exeter is offering a full-time, fixed-term PhD studentship within the Biosciences department in the United Kingdom. This research project investigates bioinspired fluidic metamaterials that use hierarchical surface patterns inspired by carnivorous plants to control water transport direction and speed. The work aims to understand how microtopographical features and surface chemistry interact to influence wetting and liquid flow, establishing a foundation for computational models and evidence-based precision design of functional metasurfaces.
What you get
The successful candidate will receive funding to cover tuition fees along with an annual stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/7 academic year. Throughout the program, the student will join an interdisciplinary and culturally diverse laboratory and receive guidance from co-supervisors specializing in Physics and Engineering. This position offers the opportunity to build a broad skill set encompassing experimental design, surface fabrication and characterization, data analysis, teamwork, and scientific communication.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted by the closing date of December 8, 2026.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is 2026-12-08.
About University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is a public research university in the West Country of England, based mainly in Exeter, Devon, with further campuses in Cornwall. Its origins lie in St Luke's College (1838), the Exeter schools of Art and Science, and the Camborne School of Mines. A royal charter in 1955 created the university. It is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities.
Official website · Source: Wikipedia