We are always seeking excellent candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join the Lau group.

PhD openings:

Applications are open for multiple 4-yr PhD and 5-yr master+PhD scholarships in biomaterials, self-assembly, AI-directed materials discovery, and nature inspired acoustics. See below for specific opportunities.

Postdoc openings:

Highly qualified PhD and postdoc candidates with track records of prizes and/or peer-reviewed international publications should inquire about applying for research fellowships to join the group in the areas of peptoids for antimicrobial and self-assembly applications and polyphenol materials for environmental applications.

Specific PhD Opportunities

Project 1 - AI-DIRECTED DISCOVERY OF SELF-ASSEMBLED PEPTIDE-PEPTOID ACOUSTICS MATERIALS
Overview: This project will pioneer AI-directed discovery of biomimetic peptoid-peptides that self-assemble into materials with predicted acoustic properties. The project will pursue a molecular simulation approach with experimental verification. The materials will be applied to sensors and actuators of sound waves and mechanical vibrations being developed elsewhere in the doctoral school. Depending on student interest, the project may focus on computation, experiments, or both. Both PhD (4yr) and masters+PhD (5 yr) scholarships are available. The successful candidate(s) will join our new Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics (NIA) (see https://www.strath.ac.uk/...leverhulmetrust/ and https://...leverhulme-doctoral-scholarships).
Applications: See the full advertisement at https://www.strath.ac.uk/.../ai-directeddiscovery/.
Deadline: Evaluations start March 28, 2024.
Eligibility: 4yr PhD applicants may hold degrees from a number of relevant disciplines, e.g., chemistry, materials science, biophysics, etc. The 5yr masters+PhD program is targeted for Black students or those from low-income backgrounds. Masters+PhD applicants may hold diverse degrees but should demonstrate experience in pursuing a technical project. All candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills, and aptitude in working collaboratively.

Project 2 - 3D-PRINTING OF SELF-ASSEMBLED INSECT-MIMETIC ACOUSTIC STRUCTURES
Overview: This interdisciplinary project will develop a hybrid “top-down” and “bottom-up” approach enabled by recent developments in the Lau group in chemistry (surface-initiated peptide self-assembly) and the Windmill group in electrical engineering (3D printing and characterization of insect-mimetic acoustic membranes). The student will join the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics. Like project 1 above, both PhD (4yr) and masters+PhD (5 yr) scholarships are available, and the successful candidate(s) will join our new Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics (NIA) (see https://www.strath.ac.uk/...leverhulmetrust/ and https://...leverhulme-doctoral-scholarships).
Applications: See the full advertisement at https://www.strath.ac.uk/...insect-mimeticacousticstructures/.
Deadline: Evaluations start March 28, 2024.
Eligibility: 4yr PhD and 5yr masters+PhD degree requirements are the same as Project 1. All candidates should demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills, and aptitude in working collaboratively.

Project 3 - DEVELOPING MULTIFUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS: AN ANTI-INFECTIVE AND PRO-ENDOTHELIALISATION POLYMER GRAFT
Overview: One 4-yr PhD scholarship funded by Medical Research Scotland (https://medicalresearchscotland.org.uk/) is available to develop a novel approach to mimicking the multi-functionality of native cell surfaces and biological tissue. To demonstrate the concept, the candidate will develop synthetic polymer vascular grafts (i.e., blood vessel replacements) with surfaces that exhibit both anti-bacterial properties as well as promote cell and tissue integration.
Applications: See the full advertisement at: https://www.strath.ac.uk/...developingmultifunctionalbiomaterials/. Deadline: Evaluations start April 1, 2024.
Eligibility: Only UK-based applicants qualify. The ideal applicant should be interested and have experience in some or all of the following areas: biointerfaces; bioinspired materials, chemical derivatization/bioconjugation, biochemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials sciences. They should further demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills, as well as aptitude in working collaboratively with academic and industry supervisors on both fundamental research and practical device development.