Join Us
We are always looking for enthusiastic researchers to join our group. We welcome applicants with strong backgrounds in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering, especially in continuum mechanics, numerics, and scientific computing.
Current Research Projects
To get an idea of the kind of projects we are interested in, please have a look at our current research topics (see Research). Also, below are some of the ongoing research projects:
Soft Matter Singularities
From Champagne to Coughs: Modelling Droplet Formation
Investigate how bubbles burst in complex fluids that behave like both liquids and elastic solids — from volcanic mudpots to respiratory mucus. Using Basilisk C simulations, discover how viscosity and elasticity control jet formation and droplet ejection when bubble cavities collapse. Map regimes where elastic stresses suppress or enhance jetting, with experimental validation from collaborators at Twente and Delft.
Instability Dynamics of Flowing Liquid Films: Plates and Fibers
Thin films transition between instability regimes as inclination varies. Use Basilisk CFD to map stability boundaries, characterize wave dynamics via spectral analysis, and study coupling between Kapitza, Rayleigh–Taylor, and Rayleigh–Plateau instabilities.
Sneezing Droplets: Modelling Respiratory Droplet Formation
Numerically investigate how viscoelasticity affects filament breakup — the second stage of droplet formation. Simulate viscoelastic filaments, compare with Newtonian benchmarks, and improve predictions of droplet size distributions in respiratory events.
Holey Sheets: Bursting of Liquid Films
Test how submicron impurities trigger hole nucleation in micron‑thick sheets. Using CLSVOF in Basilisk C, simulate radial drainage flows to reveal a double threshold for breakup and develop scaling laws for hole formation relevant to aerosols and sprays.
Free-Surface Flows
Drops and Bubbles Spreading on Lubricant-Infused Surfaces
Liquid-infused surfaces enable control over fluid spreading. Use Basilisk’s adaptive VOF solver to capture capillary-wave cascades when fluids contact LIS, map spreading regimes, and reveal how wave convergence entrains secondary droplets. Develop scaling laws with experimental partners at TU Delft and Univ. Twente.
Playing Ping-Pong with Liquid Droplets
Simulate droplet bouncing on superhydrophobic surfaces — from Scott Kelly’s space ping‑pong to hydrodynamic singularities. Map bouncing regimes, quantify force profiles and dissipation, and study Worthington jet formation with high-fidelity CFD.
Gravity‑Defying Liquids: Thermoresponsive Viscoplastic Gels
Study hot droplet impacts on cold substrates in gels transitioning from Newtonian to yield‑stress behavior. Implement temperature‑dependent rheology in DNS and correlate with experimental data for printing applications.
Postdoctoral Positions
We occasionally have openings for postdoctoral researchers to lead independent research projects within our computational multiphase physics framework. Postdoc positions offer excellent opportunities for career development and research leadership.
What we’re looking for:
- PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Strong background in computational fluid dynamics
- Experience with numerical methods and high-performance computing
- Independent research capabilities and leadership potential
Opportunities include:
- Leading research projects with PhD students
- Developing new computational methods and tools
- International collaborations and research visits
- Grant writing and proposal development
- Mentoring junior researchers
When positions are available, they will be advertised here.
We also support applications to externally funded postdoctoral fellowships that require a UK host, including:
- Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF)
- UKRI EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships
- Royal Society Newton International Fellowship
- Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships
- Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowships
If you’re interested, please email a brief statement of interest and your CV. Reaching out 2–4 months before a call deadline is ideal so we can plan a strong application together.
PhD Positions
We are always looking for enthusiastic PhD students to join our research group and contribute to cutting-edge computational multiphase physics research. We offer fully funded positions with opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.
Research Areas:
- High-performance Computing and Numerical Methods
- Multiphase flows and Interface Dynamics
- Physics-based Modeling and Simulation
- Soft Singularities in Fluid Systems
- Droplet Dynamics and Respiratory Physics
What we offer:
- Access to high-performance computing resources
- Collaboration with leading international research groups
- Conference attendance and networking opportunities
- Mentorship in both research and career development
Admissions and studentships:
- Entry: First-class BSc or at least a 2:1 MPhys/MSc (or international equivalent). English requirements apply for non‑native speakers. (How to Apply)
- How to apply (CoMPhy Lab)?
- email us ([email protected]/[email protected]) with a brief statement of fit and CV.
- In the portal, select CMP, name Dr. Vatsal Sanjay as supervisor. Final applications can only be submitted via the Postgraduate Applicant Portal. (How to Apply)
- Funding we typically target: EPSRC DTP (Physics), Durham studentships, CSC. See: Fees & Funding and Physics studentships.
- Timeline (Oct start): contact CoMPhy Sep–Dec; internal ranking/interviews Dec–Feb; Spring decisions. Early contact helps your application.
Bachelor’s/Master’s/Level-4 Projects
We offer exciting research projects for Bachelor’s and Master’s students interested in computational physics and fluid dynamics. These projects provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge simulation tools and real-world physics problems.
Project Types:
- Computational fluid dynamics simulations using state-of-the-art numerical techniques.
- Data analysis and visualization of complex flow phenomena.
- Development of numerical methods and algorithms.
- Experimental-computational comparison studies.
What you’ll gain:
- Experience with high-performance computing
- Skills in scientific programming (C, Python, Julia, MATLAB)
- Understanding of advanced numerical methods
- Opportunity to contribute to published research
Contact us to discuss project fit and scope for your specific interests and timeline.
See the projects above.
Internships
We welcome motivated students for summer internships and short-term research projects. Our internship program provides intensive research experience in a collaborative environment.
Internship Details:
- Duration: 2-6 months (flexible based on academic calendar).
- Focus on specific research questions within ongoing projects.
- Close mentorship and regular progress meetings.
- Opportunity to present results at group seminars.
Ideal candidates have:
- Background in physics, mathematics, or engineering.
- Basic programming experience (any language).
- Curiosity about soft matter, fluid mechanics and computational methods.
- Strong motivation for hands-on research.
Application process:
Send a short note describing your interests and any prior experience, along with your transcript, to the email addresses above. Include your preferred internship timeline and any specific research areas of interest.
Eligible PhD candidates from Commonwealth countries may also consider the Commonwealth Split-site PhD Scholarships to undertake a 1‑year research period at CoMPhy Lab as part of their PhD.