A PhD studentship in computational design of materials for quantum technologies

Chemistry

Location:	UK Other
Closing Date:	Wednesday 12 July 2023
Reference:	SCI2177

Dr Katherine Inzani (katherine.inzani1@nottingham.ac.uk)

Applications accepted all year round.

Fully-funded PhD project (UK Students Only)

About the project

A PhD studentship in computational design of materials for quantum technologies is available in the research group of Dr Katherine Inzani based in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham (https://sites.google.com/view/inzani-group).

Start date: 2 October 2023. Application deadline: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Background

Point-defects in semiconductors have the potential for outstanding sensitivity to temperature, electric/magnetic fields and pressure, making them ideal quantum sensors. Utilizing such defects in two-dimensional materials will facilitate close proximity, enhancing sensitivity and enabling practical nano-scale mapping of external stimuli. Furthermore, this unique materials class offers improved tunability via strong structure-property relations. Computational-led materials design presents an expediated route for the development of these platforms for quantum technologies. A toolkit of ab initio techniques will enable tailored design down to the atomic scale.

Project Aims

This project will involve first principles calculations of semiconductor point-defect properties, which will be carried out on high-performance compute clusters. The candidate will extend the scope of point-defects for quantum technologies including quantum computers, sensors and networks.

The project will be supervised by Dr Katherine Inzani and will involve close collaboration with experimental partners. The project will provide a range of experience in computational materials chemistry and quantum technologies as well as opportunities to develop programming, scientific communication and team-working skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have, or expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours Masters degree, or BSc with substantial research experience, (or equivalent if from other countries) in Chemistry or a related subject (such as Natural Science, Materials Science, Physics, Engineering). Experience in computational research or programming will also be beneficial.

If English is not the candidate’s first language, they must provide evidence before the beginning of the studentship that they meet the University minimum English Language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).

Deadline: review of applications will start in May 2023, and the positions will be filled as soon as possible thereafter; hence you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to katherine.inzani1@nottingham.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This PhD studentship is fully funded for 36 months starting in October 2023. This funding covers the payment of tuition fees at the UK/home rate and gives you a tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI rate (currently £17,668 per year). International students must pay the difference between UK and international fees. Please contact Dr Katherine Inzani (katherine.inzani1@nottingham.ac.uk) for further information.