Faculty of Science URSA Project: The optical nanostructures of plant surfaces

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition, for entry in September 2025.

Overview of the Research:

We discover the physical optics of how plant surfaces interact with light, and reproducing them in the lab. This is an experimental project, requiring hands-on lab work and learning lots about light and materials.

There is a world of structure with features similar or smaller than optical wavelengths. These materials can produce fascinating phenomena like iridescence, structural colour, metallic or super-black effects. These ‘nanophotonic’ structures in animals have fascinated people throughout history; at Bath we discover them in plants and re-make them for ourselves.

You will investigate nanostructures on leaves that interact with light to produce optical effects. These nanostructures are the crystalline formations of ‘epicuticular wax’, a complex group of hydrocarbon mixtures which self-assemble. You will characterise and model plant surfaces to understand what different sorts of structures and optical effects they have. We recently demonstrated that by extracting and recrystalising this material we could re-make the blue of blueberries – you will extend that to make other real coatings with potential application in solar engineering and replacing plastics.

This is an exciting interdisciplinary project that will explore multiple realms of physics, material science, engineering, chemistry and even a little bit of biology. It would suit someone curious, motivated to discover things about the world and excited to try something new and make things. It will involve learning from past research, working out how to do things for the first time and some gentle persistence in working with optics. If you think this describes you, please apply – especially if you have a background relatively under-represented in science. It’s open to someone with any scientific or engineering background, as long as you are motivated to expand your horizons and learn new things.

You will be working in a brand new group, which is great for influencing the way we work, and directly working together. If you want to work on established protocols and within a large team, it might not be for you. However, you’ll be supported by an experienced co-supervisor and others in the physics department, the well-established photonics centre, and the friendly and growing bio-nano-photonics research grouping.

Project keywords: Biophotonics, optics, experimental, plant science, nanoscience.

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a field of science or engineering – for example, prior practical experience as a technician. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.

Additional advantages are pre-existing skills in – or ability and desire to learn skills in: maintaining a healthy and productive work-life balance, communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills, documentation, curiosity, creativity, self-awareness, self-motivation, thoughtfulness and openness.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Rox Middleton – rm2950@bath.ac.uk

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:

1.      In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath URSA’ as the studentship for which you are applying.

2.      In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes. 

Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.