New Methods in EPR Spectroscopy

3.5 years January 2021

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is an important tool for the fundamental investigation of a range of material systems whose performances, functions, structure and stability are influenced by unpaired electrons. Additional diagnostics will transform its capabilities. This 3.5 year PhD project at Cardiff University will be hosted by the Centre for High Frequency Engineering (led by Adrian Porch, in the School of Engineering) and the EPR Group (led by Damien Murphy, in the School of Chemistry), with external partner Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Martin Jones, Energy Materials Coordinator). It will build on the long-standing collaboration between the three research groups, with an ultimate aim to build a compact EPR system for incorporation on a neutron beam line for simultaneous EPR and structural studies. Our focus will be on electrode materials for next-generation batteries, driven by the growing energy demand of our global society, balanced by the need to meet global emissions targets. Our ability to develop bespoke EPR instrumentation puts us in a unique position to deliver our ambitious goal.

We seek a highly motivated scientist/engineer who is keen to participate in cutting edge interdisciplinary research to help tackle one of the world’s grand challenges, namely the provision of accessible and sustainable energy for the needs of humanity. The successful candidate will have a first or 2:1 degree in the Physical Sciences or Engineering. Practical experience in the design and implementation of instrumentation will be useful, especially in analytical and/or microwave techniques, but not essential. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2:1 (or their equivalent) in the Physical Sciences or Engineering.

Practical experience in the design and implementation of instrumentation will be useful, especially in analytical and/or microwave techniques, but not essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;
• an upload of your CV
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)
• Current academic transcripts
Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date of January 2021
In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you re applying for advertised funding, reference AP-2020-PSE