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University of Leeds

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PhD in Hydrocolloids, Soft Matter Physics, and Food Biochemistry at University of Leeds University of Leeds in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship supported by the Food Consortium IDLA and Nestlé. Covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees, approximately £20k per year and increasing annually.

Deadline

Oct 23, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Leeds

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Keywords

Chemistry
Materials Science
Biology
Enzymology
Rheology
Characterization Techniques
Soft Matter Physics
Viscosity
Nutritional Biochemistry
Physics
Biopolymers

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Leeds in hydrocolloids, soft matter physics, and food biochemistry. This project explores how the molecular architecture of natural food polymers controls functionality such as texture, viscosity, stability, and gel formation in foods.

You will work across the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, with collaboration from Nestlé Research in Lausanne, Switzerland. The project combines enzymatic modification of hydrocolloids with advanced characterization methods including light and X-ray scattering, bulk and micro-rheology, fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

The studentship is part of the Food Consortium Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) and is fully funded for 4 years. Funding includes UK tuition fees and an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International applicants may apply, but they must cover the difference between Home and International fees.

Eligibility highlights: a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in physics, physical and bio-chemistry, food science, or a related field. Experience in soft matter physics, rheology, microscopy, scattering, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, or analytical chemistry is helpful but not essential. Applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

How to apply: follow the application link in the listing, complete the form, and email the completed documents to [email protected] with subject line IDLA 2607 LLN Surname. Deadline: 23 October 2026.

Funding details

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship supported by the Food Consortium IDLA and Nestlé. Covers UK tuition fees plus an enhanced annual UKRI stipend of £23,303 tax free. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees, approximately £20k per year and increasing annually.

What's required

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in physics, physical and bio-chemistry, food science, or a related discipline. An MPhys, MPhil, MEng, MSc, or relevant industrial experience would be an advantage. Helpful but not essential experience includes soft matter physics, rheology, advanced microscopy and/or scattering techniques, carbohydrate chemistry, enzymology, and analytical chemistry. Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Curiosity, problem-solving ability, and willingness to work across disciplines are essential.

How to apply

Click the application link provided in the FindAPhD listing, then complete the application form and return all completed forms to [email protected]. Use the email subject line: IDLA 2607 LLN Surname. Apply by 23 October 2026.

More information can be found here

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