Interested in joining the Cox Group?

Two PhD Positions — Starting October 2026

Two fully funded 4-year PhD positions are available under the supervision of Dr Stephen Cox in the Department of Chemistry, Durham University. Recently, and aided by machine learning, the Cox Group has made significant contributions to the development of classical density functional theory (neural cDFT) for describing complex fluids relevant to chemistry. Examples include:

• Bui & Cox, Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 148001 (2025), where we showed how to accurately incorporate electrostatic interactions into neural cDFT.

• Bui & Cox, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter. 37, 285101 (2025), where we developed a rigorous theory describing electromechanics in fluids.

• Bui & Cox, arxiv:2503.09855 — in press, where we discovered dielectrocapillarity, a new phenomenon in which electric field gradients influence the adsorption of polar fluids into porous media.

• Zhou et al., arxiv:2601.21691 — submitted, where we uncovered the thermodynamic driving forces governing the selective adsorption of chemical mixtures in pores.

Building on these foundations, we now aim to determine the thermodynamic principles underlying chemical separation and electromechanical behaviour (i.e., how matter distributes under the influence of electric fields) at the nanoscale for complex liquid models relevant to chemistry. This work supports the long-term goal of establishing design principles for improved nanoscale devices.

• Project 1 will primarily focus on chemical separation.
• Project 2 will primarily focus on electromechanics.

There is significant scope for synergy and overlap between the two topics. Both projects will provide the opportunity to develop theoretical and computational skills, including machine learning and molecular simulations.

We strongly encourage applications from students with a solid background in statistical mechanics, whether from Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related disciplines. Some experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python) is helpful. The projects involve mathematical ideas (e.g., Fourier analysis, variational methods), and applicants should feel confident in their ability to learn new mathematical tools as needed, even if they have not formally studied them before.

The studentships cover UK (“home”) fees and a stipend, and include opportunities to attend international conferences and workshops.

Interested students should contact Stephen Cox (stephen.j.cox@durham.ac.uk) with:

• A brief personal statement outlining your previous research experience, relevant skills for the project(s), and your personal goals for a PhD.

• A CV including performance in relevant university courses, any prizes or scholarships, and any scientific publications (if applicable).

• Names and email addresses of two academic or professional referees.

Informal enquiries are also welcome and can be directed to stephen.j.cox@durham.ac.uk.

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Postdoctoral Research Opportunities

Postdoctoral positions will be advertised when funding becomes available. We are also keen to support applications for independent fellowships (such as 1851 Research Fellowships or Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships). If you are interested in joining the group through one of these routes, please contact Steve to discuss potential projects.