Chemistry Fully Funded EPSRC & Swansea University PhD: Studying Molecule-Surface Interaction Potentials Using Magnetic Molecular Interference Experiments

3 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Swansea University

Department

Central

Research Field

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

United Kingdom

Application Deadline

22 Apr 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Chemistry: Fully Funded EPSRC & Swansea University PhD: Studying Molecule-Surface Interaction Potentials Using Magnetic Molecular Interference Experiments

The interaction between a molecule and a surface lies at the heart of a huge range of topics, including industrial catalysis, green energy production, re-entry of space vehicles into the atmosphere and even the physics and chemistry of star creation in the interstellar medium.  

While the equations which govern the interaction between a molecule and a surface are well know, there are a lot of atoms/electrons involved, and even the most power computers cannot accurately model surface systems. The usual solution to this, is to model surface systems using approximate calculation methods instead, methods which are constantly being improved. 

Our research group, which includes researchers with backgrounds in physics and/or chemistry, has developed a unique apparatus called the Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI), which can both coherently control and resolve the rotational quantum states of ground state molecules in a way which is impossible using the more common laser-based techniques. The complex interference pattern measured by the MMI is one of the most sensitive observables of the interaction between a molecule and a solid surface, containing detailed information on the change of the quantum wave function during the collision event. The student will be working on a new EPSRC project (EP/X037886/1) which aims to extract the molecule-surface interaction potential directly from the experimental data. Empirical determination of molecule-surface potentials will be a major step towards developing reliable theoretical models and is expected to have an impact on a wide range of field and applications which rely on such calculations, including those mentioned above.  

To perform MMI experiments the student will learn how to use atomic and molecular beams, ultra-high-vacuum and cryogenic technology and a wide range of measurement instrumentation and surface science techniques. The project will also include analysis of MMI measurements and further developing numerical simulation tools which relate MMI measurements to the underlying interaction potential. The project will be performed in collaboration with the theoretical chemistry group at Leiden University and will include an opportunity to travel to Leiden for a training period of a few weeks.  

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in chemistry, physics or a related subject. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

 

Specific Requirements

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations .  

Additional Information
Benefits

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses will also be available.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in chemistry, physics or a related subject. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations .  

Selection process

Please see our website for more information.

Website for additional job details

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/chemistry-epsrc-su…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Swansea University

Country

United Kingdom

City

Swansea

Postal Code

SA2 8PP

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/chemistry-epsrc-su…

Contact

City

Swansea

Website

https://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships/research/chemistry-epsrc-su-phd-studying-2024-rs587.php?utm_source=euraxess&utm_medium=scholarship&utm_campaign=postgraduate24&utm_content=pgr

Street

Singleton Park

Postal Code

SA28PP

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED