A fully funded (3.5 years for EU/UK students) PhD studentship on understanding the microscopic mechanisms in functional materials is available within the Senn group. The broader area of research encompasses that of solid state science and physical crystallography. The start date of the PhD studentship will be October 2017, and the project will be conducted at the University of Warwick. Interested applicants should contact Dr Mark Senn ([email protected]) in the first instance.
PhD project: Understanding the Microscopic Mechanisms in Functional Materials
Supervisor: Dr Mark Senn
Project description:
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 characterizing their physical properties and crystal structures. A particular emphasis of the project will be on understanding the microscopic atomic displacements associated with the properties of piezoelectricity, ferroelectricity and magnetoelectricity. In situ and ex situ diffraction experiments will be conducted at synchrotron and neutron facilities by the student to support this work. The insight gained will allow for the design of improved functional materials for use in the electronics industry.
Requirements:
The studentship provides 3.5 years of funding for UK/EU students, starting October 2017. Applicants should have or be about to receive an honours degree (at least II.1 or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics or Material Science. Practical experience in the field of ceramic synthesis, crystallography and/or physical property characterization is desirable, and an interest in learning about all of these is essential.
How to apply:
Please direct informal enquiries and requests for further information to Dr Mark Senn ([email protected]) in the first instance. More details of the research conducted within the group can be found at www.senngroup.com.
Details on the formal application procedure can be found at http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply
