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Alexis Darras

Top university

3 months ago

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

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Computer Science
Machine Learning
Biomedical Engineering
Hematology
Biophysics
Biology
Image Processing
Microscopy
Medical Science
Sickle Cell Disease
Atomic Force Microscopy
Microfluidic
Computational Modelling
Cell Mechanics
Physics
Red Blood Cell
Diagnostic Assay

About this position

[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.

Funding details

Available

What's required

A first degree in physics or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master's qualification. If English is not your first language, you must meet English Language Profile F. Applicants are assessed on merit and shortlisted candidates are interviewed.

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Professors

Professor at University of Bristol

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Cell Biology

Biomedical Engineering

Red Blood Cell

Biology

Biophysics