PhD and PDRA Opportunities

Applications are invited for a PhD and a PDRA position under a Leverhulme-funded project on Active Self-Propelled Helices.

The project will develop theoretical and computational models for electrically driven helical microswimmers in three-dimensional fluids, with a particular focus on collective behaviour. It will combine high-fidelity numerical simulations with analytical approaches to study how geometry, hydrodynamics, and externally applied electric fields influence particle dynamics. The project sits at the interface of fluid mechanics, active matter, scientific computing, and mathematical modelling.

The project builds on previous work on Quincke-rotation-driven active particles, including D. Das and E. Lauga, Active particles powered by Quincke rotation in a bulk fluid, Physical Review Letters 122, 194503 (2019).

PhD position

The PhD project is suitable for candidates with a strong Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related area. A demonstrated interest in mathematical modelling, asymptotic methods, partial differential equations, and numerical computation would be particularly valuable. The student will work on analytical and computational approaches to model propulsion and interactions of helical particles in viscous flows. There will be opportunities for the student to attend workshops and present their work at international conferences.

**International students are welcome to apply.**

Entry requirements

Applicants should satisfy the University of Strathclyde research degree entry requirements for Mathematics and Statistics:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/mathematicsstatistics/

In particular, applicants should hold a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent.

Desirable qualifications and experience

  • A Bachelor’s thesis on a relevant topic.
  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Intermediate or advanced coursework in fluid mechanics, asymptotic methods, and numerical methods.

How to apply

  • Email your CV, academic transcripts, the names of two referees, and your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s thesis.
  • Please also arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to the email address below.

Application timeline

There is no official closing date and the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Interested candidates are encouraged to get in touch for further information about the project.

PDRA position

The PDRA position is intended for candidates with a good honours degree and PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in an appropriate discipline such as Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, or a closely related area. The PDRA will contribute to the development of theoretical and computational models for electrically driven helical microswimmers and related active matter systems. The successful candidate will join an active and supportive research environment and contribute to internationally relevant work in mathematical modelling and applied physics. There will be opportunities for the PDRA to present their work at international conferences.

Essential information

  • The position is available for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension to a total of three years, subject to satisfactory performance.
  • Applications are welcome from both recent PhD graduates and candidates with postdoctoral research experience. Applications are also welcome from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending. In such cases, the appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant level (grade 6) until the PhD award is confirmed.

Desirable background and experience

  • Strong background in applied and computational mathematics, with expertise in fluid mechanics being particularly desirable.
  • Experience in scientific computing and numerical methods for partial differential equations.
  • Experience with finite element and/or boundary element methods.
  • Publications in areas relevant to the project.

How to apply

A university job advert for the PDRA position will be live soon. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official advert once available for the formal university wording and application procedure. Informal enquiries are welcome.

Application timeline

Formal interviews for the PDRA post will be held around mid June 2026.

Interested candidates are encouraged to get in touch for further information about the project.

Ongoing PhD opportunities via JARSS

In addition to the Leverhulme-funded PhD position advertised above, there are further PhD opportunities through the John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) at the University of Strathclyde.

This scheme supports outstanding doctoral applicants and is intended for candidates who qualify as UK home students.

Multiple PhD projects are available under this scheme. Interested students are encouraged to get in touch for further details.

Debasish Das
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
University of Strathclyde
debasish.das@strath.ac.uk