Meet ApplyKite Twin, the application assistant that learns with you
Meet your Twin, it learns with you
Your Twin learns with you
Launch week codes:30% off annual Pro20% off monthly Pro
Ends in00h00m00s
Ends in00h00m00s
University of Southampton
Top university
Just Landed
2 days ago
PhD in Bio-Derived Photoluminescent Quantum Dots for Laser Mitigation University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemical Engineering
Funding
The project is described as competition funded. No stipend amount or specific tuition-fee coverage is provided in the post.
Deadline
Dec 18, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
Apply for this position
Free with an ApplyKite account: the application link, the deadline in your tracker and a check of your fit.
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
This PhD project at the University of Southampton will investigate engineering-biology approaches for producing photoluminescent quantum dots and applying them in protective optical coatings. The research addresses laser dazzle and laser-induced damage, with the aim of developing innovative materials for future optical protection technologies.
Building on the UKDI/DASA-funded ACC6034385 research programme, the project will examine biologically derived production of photoactive or photoluminescent quantum dots, including materials such as cadmium selenide. The work will consider how bacterium-based nano-foundries and related engineering-biology methods can support control of particle shape, self-assembly and production efficiency.
Research activities may include developing and optimising coating formulations, refining biological production processes and assessing material performance in protective applications. The project will explore alternative low-SWaP-C coating-manufacturing approaches and the potential of biologically derived materials to reduce production overheads compared with conventional methods.
Applications include protection against laser-directed-energy threats and optical absorber technologies, including reverse-saturable absorbers, optical limiting and all-optical switching. The research sits at the interface of biology, advanced materials and photonics, combining materials design, manufacturing and optical-performance evaluation to support next-generation protective coatings.
Funding details
The project is described as competition funded. No stipend amount or specific tuition-fee coverage is provided in the post.
What's required
Applicants require a 2:1 honours degree. Full entry requirements should be checked on the University of Southampton project page.
How to apply
Review the full project and entry requirements on the University of Southampton webpage, then apply through the university's postgraduate research application process before 18 December 2026.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.