Understanding Microscopic Mechanisms in Functional Materials

The project will involve understanding why particular structures and chemistries give rise to specific physical properties. The successful candidate will gain experience in making novel ceramic materials and characterising their physical properties and crystal structures. A particular emphasis of the project will be on studying the crystal structures of the resulting materials using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction techniques.

The Senn group enjoys regular access to world class central facilities such as the synchrotron Diamond Light Source, Oxfordshire, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Grenoble, France, and the ISIS Neutron Spallation Source. At the University of Warwick, you will have access to state-of-the art, in house diffraction facilities and physical property measurement systems. You will join a team of 4 other PhD students who work in the broader area of crystallography, tackling problems involving understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind phenomena as varied as thermal expansion, ferroelectricity, magnetism, the photovoltaic effect and superconductivity. More details of the research conducted within the group can be found at www.senngroup.com.

Applicants should have an honours degree (at least II.1 or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, or material sciences.

Interested applicants should contact Dr Mark Senn ([Email Address Removed]) with a CV at the earliest possible instance.