About the project
In this PhD project, you’ll explore how vibrating microbubbles can deliver drugs precisely where they’re needed in the body. Using ultrasound, high-speed cameras, and advanced “metalens” microscopes, you'll capture 3D images of how bubbles affect cells and tissues, linking physics, engineering, and biology to develop safer, more effective ultrasound-based medical treatments.
When activated by ultrasound, these tiny gas bubbles vibrate millions of times per second, like an opera singer making a wine glass resonate, producing forces that ripple through surrounding cells and tissues. You’ll develop and use cutting-edge tools, including ultra-high-speed cameras, “metalens” microscopes, and digital image correlation, to capture these vibrations in 3D and link them to biological effects such as drug uptake, cell injury, or tissue repair.
The metalens technology will allow you to see these rapid events in unprecedented detail. Working at the interface of physics, engineering, and biology, and supported by experts in Medicine and Engineering, you’ll uncover how microbubble forces interact with living tissues, helping to design safer, more precise ultrasound-based therapies for healing and drug delivery.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
