Join Us
The lab takes PhD, MPhys/MSc, visiting, and postdoctoral researchers when the project and funding fit. Strong preparation in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering helps, especially in continuum mechanics, numerics, and scientific computing.
How we work
We share code early and keep simulation repositories public whenever the paper allows it. Most projects use GitHub from the start, so discussion happens around equations, runs, figures, and commits rather than around polished final files.
Current Research Projects
These examples show the current scope. Details change with funding, timing, and the person joining the project.
Soft Matter Singularities
From Champagne to Coughs: Modelling Droplet Formation
Model bubble bursting in complex fluids such as respiratory mucus and volcanic mudpots. Basilisk C simulations resolve capillary-wave focusing, viscoelastic stress buildup, jet formation, and droplet ejection; experiments at Twente and Delft validate the jetting regimes.
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
When funding is available, postdocs lead projects in DNS of free-surface or non-Newtonian flows, maintain the accompanying code, and work with PhD and MPhys/MSc students.
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
PhD projects are usually computational and sit in free-surface flow, soft singularities, or non-Newtonian rheology. Funded studentships are advertised here when available; strong candidates should make contact before the Durham ranking cycle.
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
Lab support:
- Access to high-performance computing resources
- Collaboration with leading international research groups
- Conference attendance
- 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]) 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
Bachelor’s, MPhys, and MSc projects usually involve a small DNS problem, a scaling argument, or data analysis tied to an active paper.
Project Types:
- Computational fluid dynamics simulations using open-source numerical methods.
- 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.
Internships
Summer internships and short research visits are possible when there is a well-scoped project and enough supervision time.
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.
- Interest in 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.