Development of flexible stress-free thin films using KJL magnetron plasma sputtering

Project reference: SEES3610615

Applications are invited for a studentship to research development and testing of novel flexible thin film materials, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The three years post is available from June 2017 (or Oct . 2017) and it is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by Kurt J. Lesker and the University of Portsmouth.

The research will investigate fabrication of multifunctional nano-thin films on flexible substrates. The work will be principally experimental, involving operation of LabLine KJL plasma sputtering machine, materials testing and microscopy. The structure / physical property relationships of the flexible nano-thin films will be identified, leading to improved and novel materials. There will be the opportunity to undertake some design of test equipment.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at University of Portsmouth. You will have a suitable honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science or a related subject, and a rigorous approach to research together with disciplined work habits. Training will be given in plasma sputtering and materials characterisation techniques including AFM, VSM, MOKE, Piezo-dielectric, SEM, XRD and XRF. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential. A suitable MSc/MPhil/MEng degree is desirable.

Post is based in the Applied Physics Laboratory within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. To find out more about the School, go to: http://www.port.ac.uk/school-of-earth-and-environmental-sciences/

To find out more about the LabLine sputtering technology, go to: https://www.lesker.com/newweb/vacuum_systems/deposition_systems_pvd_lablinesputter5.cfm

All applications should use our standard application forms and follow the instructions given under the ‘Postgraduate Research’ heading on the following webpages:
http://www.port.ac.uk/application-fees-and-funding/applying-postgraduate/#rd

Using the online application form:

(i) Select Subject area as: Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (from the drop down menu in box 1);

(ii) Select Mode of study as FULL TIME (in drop down in box 2), and then;

(iii) Select a course as PHD (EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES) in drop down in box 3, and finally

For further details of the research project contact Dr Melvin Vopson: [Email Address Removed]