PhD Position: Ab Initio Studies of Defects in Metal Oxides

PhD Position: Ab Initio Studies of Defects in Metal Oxides, Nottingham Trent University, UK:The properties of defects in crystalline materials, and their theoretical description/prediction remains one of the big challenges in condensed matter physics. There are important questions to be answered both in the basic science and in industrial and environmental applications ranging from understanding semiconductors devices, to developing new solar cells, industrial catalysis and future energy production and storage methods.

Application Deadline: 5th September 2009

This particular project will look at the mobility of defects in metal oxides. This will be done with particular attention to the development of new materials for gas sensors, which is a vital stage in improving the systems needed for the control and reduction of pollution from industrial processes and vehicle emissions. However, the results will also be relevant to work in several other areas, including vehicle emissions catalysis, fuel cells and certain types of visual display technology.

The following studentship is offered in the School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University. All our research units were rated as internationally recognised in the last Research Assessment Exercise (2008) which included research rated as world-leading in Unit of Assessments 12 (research in the Biomedical Sciences) and 25 (research in Physics, Chemistry and Engineering Sciences).

Entry requirement: a first class or upper second class U.K. BSc (Hons) degree (or international equivalent) or Masters degree in Physics or one of the related Physical or Engineering Sciences.

Award: The position offers a bursary of £13,290 (tax free) per annum for three years plus Home/EU PhD student fees. Applications from non-EU students are welcome, but a successful candidate would be responsible for paying the difference between non-EU and Home/EU student fees. (PhD fees for 2009/10: £3,390 for Home/EU students and £10,200 for non-EU students).

Eligibility: applications can be accepted from Home/EU and also non-EU students. Applicants who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution must provide evidence that they meet the minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 560/iBT 83.

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr. Christopher Castleton.
christopher.castleton-at-ntu.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)115 8483095

For an application form, please contact:
sat.research-at-ntu.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)115 848 3269

Please return completed application forms, with copies of academic certificates, to the following address:

The Research & Graduate Studies Office (Science)
Erasmus Darwin Building
Nottingham Trent University
Clifton Lane
Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK

The closing date for applications is Friday 5th September 2009.