PhD Opportunity in Molecular Electronics & Aromaticity at University of Glasgow, UK (Deadline:31.01.2026)

Start date: October 2026

The Big Picture

Imagine being able to design molecules that conduct electricity, store information, or act as switches at the nanoscale. This is the promise of molecular electronics and spintronics: using individual molecules as the building blocks of next-generation electronic devices.

The key to unlocking this potential lies in understanding aromaticity, a fundamental property that dictates how electrons move through molecules. By mapping the “currents” of electrons flowing in molecular rings, we can predict and tune the electronic and magnetic properties that make molecules useful for spintronics applications.

This PhD project is about building the computational tools we need to make these predictions accessible, intuitive, and useful for designing real molecules.

What You’ll Do

You’ll develop software tools that allow chemists to visualise and understand how electrons flow through complex molecules. Think of it as creating a “GPS for electrons” – mapping their preferred pathways and understanding what makes them travel through certain parts of a molecule.

Specifically, you’ll:

·      Build visualisation tools to create intuitive images of electron flow in molecules, making abstract quantum mechanical concepts tangible and understandable

·      Extend current methods to handle more exotic and interesting systems – molecules with unpaired electrons (radicals) and excited states, which are particularly relevant for spintronic applications

·      Connect theory to reality by working in collaboration with synthetic chemists who are actually making these molecules in the lab, helping them understand what they’ve created and design better versions

Why This Matters

Spintronics – controlling both the charge AND spin of electrons – represents the frontier of molecular electronics. The molecules that work best for spintronics often have unusual aromatic properties. By developing better tools to understand and predict these properties, you’ll be contributing to the design of:

·      Molecular switches and transistors

·      Quantum computing components

·      Ultra-high density data storage

·      Spin-based sensors and devices

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an expert in everything – enthusiasm and key skills matter most:

·      A chemistry background (especially if you enjoyed physical or computational modules)

·      Strong coding skills – whether from computer science courses, self-taught programming, or previous research projects

·      Curiosity about how molecules work at a fundamental level

·      Interest in bridging the gap between theory and experiment

If you’ve ever written code to solve a chemistry problem, built simulations, or analysed data computationally, you’re probably a great fit.

What You’ll Gain

Beyond the PhD itself, you’ll develop a rare combination of skills:

·      Advanced computational chemistry expertise

·      Professional software development skills (valuable in academia and industry)

·      Experience collaborating across different research groups

·      The ability to translate complex quantum concepts into practical insights

These skills are highly sought-after in both academic research and in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to materials science to technology.

Ready to Apply?

Get in touch to discuss how your background and interests align with this project. We’re excited to hear from candidates who are passionate about using computational approaches to solve real chemical problems.