Working with us
We are eager to hear from researchers and students who are as fascinated by the interplay of biology, physics and ecology as we are. If you are interested to join us with a Fellowship or studentship, please get in touch to discuss your ambitions with us!
Fully funded PhD studentship available – closing date 8th December 2026
We are currently seeking applicants for an EPSRC-funded 3.5-year PhD studentship, starting in September 2027. The project explores novel bioinspired metamaterials for passive water transport which use hierarchical surface patterns inspired by carnivorous plants to control the speed and direction of water spreading. Metamaterials use engineered structures to achieve functionality that the constituent materials alone cannot provide. Insect-eating pitcher plants have hydrophilic trapping surfaces with extraordinary capacity to transport and direct water. The collar-shaped rim of their pitfall traps features ridges and grooves on two distinct length scales, with the microscale grooves further intersected by acute-angled, overhanging arches. This is a natural metasurface: the anisotropic hierarchical microtopography makes water spread against gravity within milliseconds and form a thin film on which insects aquaplane to their death. This project investigates how the microtopographical features interact with each other and with the intrinsic hydrophilicity of the surface to determine wetting and fluid flow. Without this understanding, we are currently unable to unlock the full potential of bioinspired surface design for the microscale control of liquid flow. Precision control of wetting and liquid flow on surfaces has the potential to transform medical care, save resources, mitigate the effects of climate change and optimise production processes. Engineered surfaces with defined fluid transport properties can revolutionise healthcare applications such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostics, automated drug delivery, or more efficient wound drainage. Capturing and directing water is essential for fog water harvesting in arid regions. Passive micro-irrigation systems save water and energy while increasing crop yields. Passive fluid transport surfaces can also improve the sustainability of manufacturing processes by optimising the supply of lubricants and extending the lifetime of moving parts.
The successful candidate will have a Bachelor/Masters degree in Physics, Engineering or Natural Sciences (2.1 or above). Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. Additional practical research or work experience is an advantage. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, creative and enthusiastic to take on the challenge of experimental interdisciplinary research. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr Ulrike Bauer, email: u.bauer@exeter.ac.uk, to discuss the project before applying.
Full project details and how to apply: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=6009
Student projects
If you are a student at the University of Exeter with an interest in plant biomechanics, carnivorous plants, plant-insect interactions or interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of biology, physics and engineering, consider doing a research project in our lab! We offer various research projects for final year BSc and MSc students in Biosciences (modules BIO3096 and BIOM569) and in Natural Sciences (modules NSC3001, NSC3002 and NSCM001), but we are equally open to host summer projects. If you are a student in Engineering or Physics who would like to work with us, please get in touch to explore options – we are keen to hear from you! Please also contact us as early as possible if you have your own project idea that would fit well into our lab remit – we might be able to accommodate your interests and ideas in the project descriptions for the next academic year!
Collaborations
We strongly believe in the power of collaboration. From our experience, the best science emerges from multiple minds with complimentary experience and skills combining forces towards a common goal. Plus, working together is far more fun than trying to outcompete each other! We currently maintain collaborations with scientists as close as in the neighbouring building and as far as the tropical kingdom of Brunei or the West coast of Canada. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch and discuss your ideas!
