PhD Studentship in Shape and Rigidity Profiling via Density-Induced Banding of Red Blood Cells (SHARP-ID) University of Bristol in United Kingdom

[Fully funded for UK Home Students, with a very small number of fully funded places available for outstanding international candidates.]

PhD Studentship: SHARP-ID – Shape and Rigidity Profiling via Density-Induced Banding of Red Blood Cells at the University of Bristol.

This PhD project investigates how red blood cells (RBCs) form band patterns in continuous density gradients and how these patterns can be used to detect pathological mechanical changes. The research builds on recent findings that banding arises from a balance between buoyancy and aggregation forces. The main aim is to optimize detection of RBCs with altered shape and rigidity by designing non-linear density gradients that combine the reproducibility of stable gradients with the sensitivity of linear ones.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and will involve programmable syringe pumps to generate custom density gradients from two density solutions, experiments on RBCs with controlled shape and rigidity variations, and quantitative analysis using confocal microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Band patterns will be studied with automated image processing and AI-based classification trained on both simulated and experimental data. The expected outcome is a scalable, low-cost diagnostic approach with potential applications in sickle cell anemia, malaria, treatment monitoring, and early disease detection.

The project sits within the vibrant research environment of the School of Physics and the EngBioCDT programme at Bristol. It draws on expertise from Professor Ash Toye and Dr Jan Frayne in red blood cell biology, clinical insight from Dr Claire Rice and Dr Sanne Lugthart in inherited blood disorders, and theoretical support from Francesco Turci and Simon Hanna. Students will also benefit from access to the Isambard-AI supercomputer and the wider collaborative, supportive research culture at the University of Bristol.

Funding: This is a fully funded PhD studentship for UK Home Students, with a very small number of fully funded places available for outstanding international candidates.

Eligibility: Applicants should normally hold a first degree in physics or a closely related subject at least equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours degree, or a relevant postgraduate master's qualification. International applicants must meet English Language Profile F.

How to apply: Prepare a CV, a personal statement, and transcripts of any qualifying degrees. Apply through the University of Bristol postgraduate application system and select Physics PhD on the programme choice page. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Deadline: 12 August 2026.