Two fully funded PhD opportunities are available in the School of Food Science and Nutrition and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research at the University of Leeds, in collaboration with PepsiCo and the BBSRC Food Consortium Collaborative Training Partnership. These projects focus on the surface chemistry of snacks and biomimetic approaches for enhancing adhesion in food processing, offering a unique chance to engage in multidisciplinary research at the intersection of food science, physical chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering.

The first project, 'The Surface Chemistry of Snacks: Uncovering Adhesion Mechanisms Using Advanced Microscopy,' aims to develop experimental methodologies to investigate adhesive interactions at the nanoscale using techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), FluidFM, confocal detection, and high-speed microscopy. The research will provide insights into the dynamic behavior of particles and droplets during collisions with soft surfaces, with applications in food science and biomaterials.

The second project, 'Biomimetic Approaches for Enhancing Adhesion in Food Processing,' explores innovative adhesion mechanisms inspired by plant biology to develop healthier and more sustainable food products. This project will utilize advanced characterization techniques, including confocal microscopy, AFM, SEM, SAXS, and SANS, to study adhesive interactions between textured surfaces and microscopic particles.

Both scholarships are open to Home and International applicants and cover full tuition fees, a UKRI maintenance grant of £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate), and an industrial top-up of £1,800 per year, for four years (full-time) or part-time equivalent. International applicants should note that relocation and visa costs are not covered. Applicants must have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, and meet the University's English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent).

To apply, candidates should submit a formal application through the University of Leeds portal, selecting 'PhD Food Science and Nutrition Full-time' and clearly stating the project title and Professor Gleb Yakubov as the proposed supervisor. Required documents include a personal statement, CV, academic transcripts, and English language certificates if applicable. The application deadline is 30 November 2025, with a start date of 1 April 2026.

For further information, contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions Team at ENV-PGR@leeds.ac.uk or Professor Gleb Yakubov at G.Yakubov@leeds.ac.uk.