In-situ TEM Observations of Atomic Scale Dynamics at Materials Interfaces

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to fill a PhD studentship on a 3 year project funded by the School of Engineering to support recent arrival of Professor Nigel D. Browning at the University of Liverpool. The project will build on professor Browning’s 20+ years of experience in the design and implementation of new methods for materials characterization in the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and will involve experimental observations using the new and unique Bayesian in-situ imaging capabilities at the University of Liverpool. As part of the project there will be opportunities to travel and use national/international user facilities.

The project aims to develop and use advanced microscopy methods to unravel the fundamental science drivers behind the dynamic processes at internal interfaces that control many important technologies in energy generation, conversion and storage. Understanding how atoms move at these interfaces can help improve both energy efficiency and reduce environmental concerns. New methods in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allow interfaces in energy technologies to be imaged directly during normal operating conditions. The goal of this project is to optimize the acquisition of these images using compressive sensing, inpainting and machine learning and establish a new materials design and application methodology applicable to a wide range of industrially relevant engineering processes. The experimental facilities for these observations are unique within the UK, making the majority of these observations new and providing numerous opportunities for collaborations with industry and national/international research facilities.

The successful candidate will have at least a 2:1 Bachelors, or preferably Masters, degree in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry. The ideal candidate will have experience in using advanced instrumentation and an interest in mathematical/computational methods would be an advantage. The eligibility of candidates for this studentship follows the EPSRC eligibility criteria (https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/) which include a residency in UK for three years prior to the start of the grant. Please apply by completing the online postgraduate research application form for a PhD in Engineering at http://www.liv.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/online.htm Applications should be made as soon as possible and no later than July 31st 2018.