A three-year fully funded PhD studentship is available for a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2018 under the supervision of Dr Olof Johansson at the University of Edinburgh.
The project is suitable for both physics and chemistry applicants.
Project
The project will explore recent developments in femtosecond magneto-optics to study photo-induced spin dynamics in molecular magnets. This technique is one of very few methods that can directly probe the spin state of electrons on the femtosecond timescale relevant for photoexcitation. This is a new and exciting line of research and molecular materials have so far been under-explored. The Johansson group takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying photoinduced dynamics in magnetic molecular systems. Our research interests span ultrafast spectroscopy, magnetism and materials chemistry. In this project, you will use ultrafast magneto-optics and transient absorption to study thin films and multilayers of molecular magnets and novel photomagnetic materials. You will develop the understanding of how ultrashort laser pulses can be used to influence magnetic interactions in molecular materials and the fundamental timescales of the processes involved. We have a large range of international collaborators providing novel materials but also complimentary experimental techniques and theory, so there will be ample opportunities to travel during your PhD.
Relevant publications: Chem. Sci. 7, 7061-7067 (2016); Chem. Phys. Lett. 687, 125-130 (2017); J. Mater. Chem. C 6, 512-517 (2018).
How to apply
To apply, interested candidates should initially contact Dr Olof Johansson (olof.johansson@ed.ac.uk). Informal enquiries are encouraged. You should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in physics or chemistry. The studentship covers tuition fees at the EU/UK rate and includes a tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate (commencing at ca. £14,764 per year). The candidate must meet the EPSRC residency requirements, which restrict awards to UK and EU national.
University of Edinburgh
The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives website for further information. University Initiatives website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly
The School of Chemistry (www.chem.ed.ac.uk) has an extremely strong research reputation. The Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews have formed EaStCHEM, the leading Chemistry research school in Scotland, and the largest in the UK. The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most successful universities in the UK with an international reputation as a centre of excellence, and is consistently ranked as top-10 in Europe and top-20 in the world according to international university rankings. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, with a handsome historic city centre, stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural life.
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