Organisation/Company:
Swansea University Department:
Central Research Field:
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Researcher Profile:
First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions:
PhD Positions Country:
United Kingdom Application Deadline:
24 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract:
Temporary Job Status:
Full-time Hours Per Week:
35 Offer Starting Date:
1 Apr 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No Offer Description
Hydrogen is the most abundant molecule in the universe, and its interaction with surfaces plays a key role in a huge range of processes, from star formation to the safe storage of rocket fuel, to industrial catalysis and green energy production. The aim of this PhD project is to study hydrogen colliding with surfaces at a fundamental molecular level to gain unprecedented insight into the role that rotations play in gas-surface collisions. The Surface Dynamics team, which includes researchers with both physics and chemistry backgrounds, has developed a Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI) apparatus which can be used to control and manipulate the rotational orientation projection states of hydrogen molecules. The PhD project, which forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project (MR/X03609X/1), will explore whether changing the rotational orientation projection state of the H2 molecule affects the probability that energy is transferred between the molecule and the surface as well as the reactivity of the H2 with the surface. This project will involve using and further developing both the experimental and data analysis methods that are currently used within the research team. The student will learn how to use the MMI apparatus, gaining knowledge of, for example, molecular and atomic beams, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic technologies and a range of measurement and surface science techniques. They will also analyse the experimental data, developing techniques to extract information about the rotational orientation dependence of the gas-surface reaction, as well as performing numerical simulations to determine how best to perform the measurements to maximise the information that can be obtained. Minimum Requirements
Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject. Or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject. Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). IELTS 6.0 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. Please note this Scholarship is open to UK fee-eligible students only. If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email
pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk
with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. Additional Information
This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. Selection Process
Please see our website for more information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Swansea University Department:
Central Research Field:
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Researcher Profile:
First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions:
PhD Positions Country:
United Kingdom Application Deadline:
24 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Type of Contract:
Temporary Job Status:
Full-time Hours Per Week:
35 Offer Starting Date:
1 Apr 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No Offer Description
Hydrogen is the most abundant molecule in the universe, and its interaction with surfaces plays a key role in a huge range of processes, from star formation to the safe storage of rocket fuel, to industrial catalysis and green energy production. The aim of this PhD project is to study hydrogen colliding with surfaces at a fundamental molecular level to gain unprecedented insight into the role that rotations play in gas-surface collisions. The Surface Dynamics team, which includes researchers with both physics and chemistry backgrounds, has developed a Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI) apparatus which can be used to control and manipulate the rotational orientation projection states of hydrogen molecules. The PhD project, which forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project (MR/X03609X/1), will explore whether changing the rotational orientation projection state of the H2 molecule affects the probability that energy is transferred between the molecule and the surface as well as the reactivity of the H2 with the surface. This project will involve using and further developing both the experimental and data analysis methods that are currently used within the research team. The student will learn how to use the MMI apparatus, gaining knowledge of, for example, molecular and atomic beams, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic technologies and a range of measurement and surface science techniques. They will also analyse the experimental data, developing techniques to extract information about the rotational orientation dependence of the gas-surface reaction, as well as performing numerical simulations to determine how best to perform the measurements to maximise the information that can be obtained. Minimum Requirements
Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject. Or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in chemistry, physics or a related subject. Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). IELTS 6.0 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. Please note this Scholarship is open to UK fee-eligible students only. If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email
pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk
with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. Additional Information
This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available. Selection Process
Please see our website for more information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
