Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Deadline: 14 February 2027
South West, All England
In this fully funded PhD project commencing in October 2027, you will use a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) to investigate how to control the behaviour of individual molecules. The project forms part of LUMIN, an ambitious research programme supported by a European Research Council (ERC) grant.
When a molecule is excited by the tip of an STM, quantum mechanics governs its subsequent dynamics, making the outcome of a reaction inherently probabilistic. Your challenge will be to understand these dynamics and discover how to influence the odds. Building on recent advances in single-molecule manipulation, you will investigate how changing the lifetime and energy of electronic excitations alters the probability of competing outcomes, including chemical bond breaking. You will also explore how molecular orientation and the precise location of excitation influence what happens next.
You will work with an ultrahigh vacuum STM at room temperature, combining atomic-scale imaging and spectroscopy with electrical manipulation of individual molecules. You will have opportunities to develop automated experiments and machine-learning approaches to improve measurements and analyse large datasets. If interested, you can also contribute to quantum-chemical simulations in collaboration with theoretical physicists.
The project aims to establish new principles for controlling molecular behaviour, with potential applications in molecular electronics, catalysis and nanoscale manufacturing. You will develop expertise in advanced microscopy, experimental physics, data analysis and scientific programming.
Supervised by Dr Kristina Rusimova, you will join an established research team at the University of Bath, working within the Centre for Photonics. You will work alongside experienced PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in a collaborative environment that values training, personal development and scientific independence. You will be encouraged to contribute ideas, take part in the full research process and explore opportunities in outreach and career development.
We welcome applicants with a background in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline. Experience in microscopy, programming or computational modelling is useful but not essential. Above all, we are looking for curiosity, initiative and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary experimental research.
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.
Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 per annum in 2026/7) and access to a training support budget.
Studentships are open to both Home and International students; however, International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of moving to the UK, obtaining a student visa (https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees/) or payment of the UK healthcare surcharge (https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application).
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Kristina Rusimova, [email protected].
Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics prior to the closing date of this advert.
IMPORTANT:
When completing the application form:
Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Home and Overseas students.
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