Supported by dedicated supervisory and technical teams, this PhD offers an exciting and unique multi-disciplinary opportunity across two world-class research environments at each end of the globe. The successful applicant will receive comprehensive technical, theoretical and PhD-related training, whilst spending time at each university. They will develop a multitude of skills, including scientific, research, analytical methods, project management and communication, which will springboard them into an academic or industrial career, and within a wide number of potential fields.

Project Background

Infectious bacteria and viruses are still predominant in healthcare environments and pose a serious threat to lives. The COVID pandemic clearly highlighted this issue, and there are other hospital-acquired infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA) and Clostridium difficile ( C.diff ) which pose more acute threats. It is acknowledged, completely sterile environments are not achievable, but a key effective strategy for infection control and maintaining safe levels of infectious microbes is through air filtered ventilation systems and face masks.

This project aims to develop the next-generation advanced filters and face masks that will eradicate bacterial contaminants in the air. These innovative filters provide a non-toxic and sustainable solution to bacterial contamination by employing bio-inspired mechano-bactericidal mechanisms, for example, surface nanoneedles inspired by antibacterial nanopillars found on dragonfly and cicada wings. These materials physically destroy bacteria and viruses without relying on the use of harmful biocides or bioactive agents.

The use of bio-inspired design will enhance the antibacterial performance of the materials and will improve their effectiveness in environments prone to contamination, such as hospital settings, and elderly care facilities. This innovative approach aligns with the urgent need for robust, efficient, and safe solutions, offering a practical alternative to traditional antibacterial methods. The successful implementation of these filters will help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, ensuring cleaner air. This project not only advances the understanding of bio-inspired antibacterial mechanisms but also provides a pathway for real-world applications in critical areas such as healthcare, surgical garments, environmental protection, personal protective equipment and antibacterial coatings for medical devices.

The Project

The project will employ an experimental approach to investigate how surface chemistry, wettability and micro/nanoscale structures influence bacterial response. Whilst structure relationships to antibacterial effectiveness, efficiency, selectivity and resistance are key to the research, mechanical damage will also be considered through the research, which will advance the fundamental mechanisms driving these properties.

The successful applicant will develop expertise in electrospinning to fabricate polymer fibres with controlled nano- and/or micron-size and morphology. Several polymers will be considered and methods will be explored to grow secondary structures on the surface of the fibres. For example, in one approach, hydrothermal methods will be used to grow zinc oxide nanostructures on the surface of the fibres, whilst assessing parameters to control their precise shape, size and morphology. The properties of the membranes such as wettability as a function of fibre size, porosity, and aspect ratio of zinc oxide nanostructures will also be explored.

To support the above there will be access, with hands-on experience, to state-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation facilities available at both SHU and LTU with the intention to support the interpretation of structure-property relations. For example, scanning electron microscopy to assess polymer fibre and zinc oxide dimensions, shape and mechanical robustness, spectroscopy techniques (FTIR and Raman-AFM) to assess molecular interactions between polymer and nanostructures, XRD and DSC to assess polymer morphology, and rheology to assess electrospinning solutions. The mechanical integrity and stiffness of the multiscale structures will be investigated using standard flexural and tensile testing but also nanoindentation, which will enable the evaluation of the role played by stiffness on the antibacterial behaviour displayed by the samples. Antibacterial testing will also be conducted to characterise antibacterial properties of the samples and to correlate how the size and shape of the zinc oxide nanostructures influence their performance.

Skill Requirements

The project seeks skills from disciplines such as material scientists, engineers (material, manufacturing and structural mechanics) or chemists (polymer, physical or bio-). It is appreciated, this is a multi-disciplinary project encompassing different skills, and so training in areas of least experience will be provided if required. It is essential however, that the candidate has excellent project management and communication skills. You will be an innovative problem solver with the potential to lead the project.

Eligibility

International candidates are required to provide an IELTS certificate with a score of at least 6.5 overall, and a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For further information on English Language requirements, please click here .

For further details on entry requirements, please click here .

How to apply

All applications must be submitted using the online application form. To apply, click here . In your application, be sure to include the title of the project that you are applying for.

As part of your application, please upload:

1. A research proposal (max. 1500 words), outlining the proposed research and the central questions; the current knowledge and context, referencing key background literature; proposed methodology or approach, if known; and the potential significance or impact of the research
2. A cover letter (max. 1 page) detailing which project you are applying for; your suitability and eligibility for the project, and your reasons for applying
3. Copy of your highest degree certificate
4. Non-UK applicants must submit IELTs results (or equivalent) taken in the last two years and a copy of their passport.

Applicants must provide 2 references, with at least one to be academic. References must be received directly from the referees.

We strongly recommend you contact the lead academic, Dr Francis Clegg [email protected] , to discuss your application

Start date for studentship: 01 October 2025

Interviews are scheduled for: W/C 16 June 2025

For information on how to apply please visit https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/degrees

Apply here by 28th May 2025.

For more info on the Sheffield Hallam University/La Trobe University Global Partnership Joint PhD programme, click here .