PhD Studentship: Can a picture predict strength? Learning how collagen architecture sets the mechanics of living tissue.

Overview

This four-year PhD studentship investigates how collagen architecture determines the mechanical behavior of living tissue, specifically examining the cornea and sclera from the same eye. The research combines imaging collagen structure using label-free, polarisation-resolved multiphoton microscopy at the University of Exeter with measuring how these specimens carry load at the University of Plymouth. Additional contributions include an X-ray scattering archive of corneal and scleral collagen provided by Cardiff University. The supervisory team includes lead supervisors from the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, alongside researchers from both institutions and collaborators from Cardiff University and the University of Liverpool. The student will split their time equally between the biophotonics laboratory at Exeter and the eye and vision group at Plymouth, working in blocks without weekly commuting.

What you get

The position is supported for four years and provides full Home and International tuition fees, along with a UKRI stipend at the 2027-28 rate.

Requirements

Applicants may come from backgrounds in physics, engineering, mathematics, biology, or biomedical science. Candidates must possess mathematical confidence and a willingness to code, although prior experience in machine learning is not required.

Key dates

The application deadline is midday Greenwich Mean Time on Wednesday, 2 December 2026.