Materials Science and Engineering: Fully Funded PhD studentship: Developing Correlative Microscopy and Microanalysis Methods for Mineralised Biological and Industrially-Relevant Materials (RS830)

Funding providers: EPSRC and ZEISS 

Subject areas: Materials Science and Engineering 

Project start date: 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid–March)

Academic Supervisors: Prof Richard Johnston (Swansea University), Prof Cameron Pleydell-Pearce (Swansea University) 

Industrial Supervisors: Dr. Ria Mitchell (Applications Development – Industrial Research, ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions).  

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials Engineering 

Mode of study: Full-time or Part-time 

Project description: 
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to work on an exciting project that will advance correlative microscopy and microanalysis methods for studying mineralised biological materials and industrially-relevant human-made materials. This project will address key priorities in the microscopy sector by developing workflows that integrate cutting-edge imaging and characterization techniques and enable cohesive analysis across modalities and length scales. 

This PhD project is a collaboration between Swansea University and Carl Zeiss, a global leader in microscopy solutions. Both partners are deeply committed to advancing characterisation methods and workflows that address pressing challenges in areas such as correlative characterisation, biological systems, net-zero and the circular economy, energy and decarbonization, and medicine and healthcare. 

The project will potentially focus on a diverse range of materials and systems, including: 

• Biological, bioinspired, and biocompatible materials 
• Steel and other metal alloys. Other raw materials (i.g. Construction materials) 
• Electronic and photovoltaic materials 

Research study area 1:  

The first research focus will be the application of advanced imaging and characterization techniques to mineralized biological materials, with an emphasis on developing correlative workflows tailored to these complex systems. Study 1 will specifically investigate the mineralized ‘armour’ found in certain species of leafcutter ants, including Acromyrmex octospinosus. 

This unique biological adaptation presents a fascinating challenge for characterization due to the intricate structure and composition of the mineralized layers. The goal of this study will be to establish and refine advanced workflows that can effectively analyze these materials, offering insights relevant to the fields of synthetic biology, bio-derived materials, and bioinspired design. 

The outcomes of this research will provide a foundation for understanding and replicating natural mineralisation processes, paving the way for innovations in next-generation materials inspired by nature’s design principles. 

The candidate will explore workflows across optical, electron, and 3D X-ray microscopy platforms, with an emphasis on integrating data from other complementary characterisation methods, such as nanomechanical testing, spectroscopy, or in-situ sample manipulation. Additionally, the candidate may utilise other preparation techniques to formulate samples for further imaging and analysis.  

This global project will involve collaboration with Zeiss teams in the UK, Germany, and California (USA), offering the candidate a unique opportunity to leverage world-class expertise and cutting-edge technologies. The outcomes of this PhD will likely include high-impact publications detailing novel correlative pathways and new insights enabled by these advanced characterisation methods. 

Prior experience in the microscopy and characterisation techniques outlined above is not essential, all training will be provided. 

Key Objectives: 

• Develop and refine correlative microscopy workflows for both 2D and 3D analysis. 
• Utilise brightfield optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for 2D navigation and correlation. 
• Apply advanced 3D techniques such as X-ray microscopy and focused ion beam (FIB) serial sectioning to achieve deeper insights into material structures. 
• Correlate data from multi-modal characterization techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of materials. 

The PhD will provide an excellent opportunity for the candidate to develop a legacy of characterisation pathways applicable across a range of critical materials and systems, contributing directly to advances in industrial applications. 

This PhD project offers an outstanding opportunity to engage in collaborative, cross-disciplinary research at the forefront of materials science and microscopy, while gaining valuable experience working with global industry leaders. 

Funding duration: 3 years

Open to UK Students Only 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations 

PhD: Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See - Country Specific Entry Requirements - Swansea University

English Language 

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). 

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. 

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information 

1. Course choice:

(Full Time) Materials Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / July 

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application. 

     2. Start year – please select 2025 

     3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) – 

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No 

• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter  ‘RS830 - ZEISS’ 

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award. 

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards. 

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.    

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted. 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email): 

• CV 
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient) 
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 
• Confirmation of EDI form submission 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact  Professor Richard Johnston r.johnston@swansea.ac.uk  

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.