The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project commencing in October 2023 in the Department of Physics.
Eligible applicants will be considered for a fully-funded studentship – for more information, see the Funding Notes section below.
Overview of the Research:
In this funded PhD project, you will use a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) to programme molecular dynamics one molecule at a time.
When a target molecule is excited by the tip of an STM, the ensuing dynamics are governed by quantum mechanics and the reaction outcome is, in all but the most restricted cases, probabilistic rather than deterministic. You will tackle this challenge by using an STM to characterise individual chemical reactions, understand why different outcomes occur, and eventually cause entirely new reactions to happen. You will make use of the recent advances in energy-resolved photon emission from STM. In combination with our state-of-the-art automation, you will create a technology to characterise, decouple and, for the first time, control the quantum mechanical nature of single molecule reactions on a silicon surface, leading to programmable reaction outcomes. Such atomic-scale control of the outcome of chemical reactions holds the key to developing new molecular architectures that are not based on naturally occurring reactions and may create a new route to digitising chemistry.
Supervised by Dr Kristina Rusimova and Dr Peter Sloan, you will be part of both the Photonics and Nanoscience research groups at Bath and you will join a cohort of graduate students within the Department of Physics.
We are seeking applicants who are keen to develop their lab skills through working with an ultrahigh vacuum STM, light detection and quantum optical measurements. You will also be given the opportunity to develop transferable skills in lab automation and data analysis (python, LabVIEW).
You will be expected to take part in weekly meetings of both research groups, including giving research and journal club presentations. As part of your soft skills training, you will be encouraged to attend summer schools and conferences, and take part in the Department’s outreach portfolio.
Project keywords: nanoscience, quantum mechanics, optical physics, single photons.
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
While laboratory experience with nanoscale or optical physics may be advantageous, enthusiasm and motivation to carry out high-quality lab work is an essential requirement.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Kristina Rusimova on email address [Email Address Removed] before applying to find out more about the project and to discuss their suitability for the role.
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Note: Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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