Richard Sear

A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of Surrey in the field of biological physics, focusing on the development of synthetic cells and microswimmers. The project aims to engineer bioinspired structures at the micrometre scale that can autonomously swim, mimicking natural organisms such as bacteria. Research will involve encapsulating biological building blocks inside vesicles to create synthetic microswimmers capable of generating propulsion forces and exploring the fundamental principles of their movement. The work is highly interdisciplinary, combining physics, biophysics, and bioengineering, and offers hands-on training in advanced techniques like fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics. The project is supervised by Dr Isabella Guido and Dr Richard Sear, both experienced researchers in biological physics and soft matter. The position is open to UK-based students who pay UK/home rate fees, with a standard UKRI stipend of £20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment, collaborate with international partners, and have opportunities for lab visits abroad and conference presentations. Applications are accepted via the Physics PhD programme page, with the deadline on 15 May 2026. Interested candidates should have a strong background in physics, biophysics, biological physics, or bioengineering, and a passion for interdisciplinary research.