3 Year PhD position, Experimental Gas-surface Reactions, Swansea University, UK (Deadline: 07.03.2025)
There is a (3 year) PhD position available in the research group of Dr Helen Chadwick in the Chemistry Department at Swansea University in the UK. The group uses and further develops a unique Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI) apparatus which allows us to control and manipulate the rotational orientation projection states of hydrogen molecules in gas-surface collisions, which can classically be considered to correspond to whether the molecules are preferentially rotating like a helicopter or a cartwheel before they collide with the surface. The PhD project, which forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project (MR/X03609X/1), will explore whether changing the rotational orientation projection state of H2 molecules affects the probability that energy is transferred between the molecule and a surface as well as the reactivity of H2 with a surface.
This project will involve using and further developing both the experimental and data analysis methods that are currently used within the research group. The student will learn how to use the MMI apparatus, gaining knowledge of, for example, molecular and atomic beams, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic technologies and a range of measurement and surface science techniques. They will also analyse the experimental data, developing techniques to extract information about the rotational orientation dependence of the gas-surface reaction, as well as performing numerical simulations to determine how best to perform the measurements to maximise the information that can be obtained.
Candidates should have a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of upper second-class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject (or an equivalent overseas bachelor’s degree), or a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, or a related subject. The possible start dates for the PhD project are April 2025, July 2025 or October 2025.
The position is open to both UK fee eligible students and international students.
For further information about the project please contact Helen Chadwick (h.j.chadwick@swansea.ac.uk). The advert for the PhD position with information on how to apply can be found here. The closing date for applications is March 7th 2024.
