Francesco Turci

This PhD project at the University of Bristol's School of Physics focuses on modelling the deformability and collapse of gels formed by red blood cells (RBCs). Physical gels, composed of networks of micron-scale particles, are widely used in various industries due to their stability, but their eventual collapse under gravity is not well understood. The project aims to investigate how the microstructure and mechanical properties of gel constituents, particularly RBCs, influence the collapse process. RBCs serve as a biologically relevant model system because of their high deformability and tendency to form gel-like aggregates, whose collapse dynamics are affected by cell shape, rigidity, and intercellular interactions. The research will employ a dual approach: experimental measurements using confocal microscopy and computational studies via coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The findings are expected to have implications for soft matter physics, biomedical diagnostics, and the design of new materials. Supervision is provided by Dr Francesco Turci (simulations) and Dr Alexis Darras (experiments), with additional expertise from faculty in red blood cell biology, clinical science, and computational physics. The project is embedded in a vibrant, supportive graduate research community, offering comprehensive training, career development, and pastoral support. Funding is available for home students (covering tuition, stipend, and training expenses), with a limited number of fully-funded places for outstanding international candidates. Applicants should have a strong background in physics or a related field, and meet the university's English language requirements. The application deadline is 19 January 2026. Interested candidates should apply online, submitting a CV, personal statement, and transcripts, and specify 'Bristol Physics Research Scholarships' as the funding source.

This PhD project at the University of Bristol's School of Physics focuses on the critical behaviour in active matter, specifically investigating whether the critical point of motility-induced phase separation (MIPS) aligns with known equilibrium universality classes or represents a new form of non-equilibrium criticality. The research will employ large-scale GPU simulations of active Brownian, run-and-tumble, and lattice-gas models, combined with finite-size scaling analyses such as Binder-cumulant crossings, compressibility peaks, and correlation-length estimates from structure factors. These methods will be used to map phase boundaries and extract critical exponents, leveraging the university's ISAMBARD 3 supercomputer and BlueCrystal Phase 5 HPC cluster for high-performance computation. The project aims to resolve the universality of MIPS, a fundamental and timely question in statistical and non-equilibrium physics, with potential applications in designing and controlling active materials, soft robotics, and microfluidic platforms. The research group is led by Prof. Nigel Wilding, with additional expertise from Prof. Francesco Turci, Dr. Simon Hanna, and Prof. T. Liverpool. The successful candidate will join a vibrant graduate research community, benefit from comprehensive induction and skills training, and have access to a supportive environment for career development. Funding covers full tuition and a stipend for home students, with a limited number of fully-funded places for outstanding international candidates. Applicants should have a strong background in physics or a related field, and meet the university's English language requirements. The application deadline is 19 January 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Nigel Wilding or the Bristol Physics Graduate School.