Outline

From energy conversion technologies through to the dissolution of minerals in the oceans, interfacial reactions at the solid/solution interface underpin many globally significant chemical processes. For any heterogeneous reaction, the overall reaction rate is an interplay between the transport of material to/from the interface and the rate of reaction at the surface. Importantly, which step is rate determining can change as a function of the prevailing mass-transport. For an isolated particle, for example, the reaction pathway can switch depending on the particle's size. This can happen without the chemical properties of the material changing at all! 

This PhD position will focus on developing new techniques for studying and controlling these interfacial reactions at the single particle scale, and probe the associated interfacial reaction kinetics. This position is predominantly experimentally focused; however, depending on the applicant, research may also encompass aspects of instrument design and advanced numerical analysis. The researcher will develop skills in areas of materials chemistry, computational analysis and electrochemistry. 

The ideal applicant will have a 1st Class or 2i Master's or Honours Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline and will be highly motivated and enthusiastic about research. The researcher will work independently, but also closely collaborate with other members of a multidisciplinary project team. Being able to collaborate and work interdisciplinarily is an important aspect of the work undertaken by the group. Good written and oral communication skills are essential. Experience and knowledge in the areas of nanomaterial synthesis, fundamental electrochemisty and computational electrochemistry would be advantageous but not essential. 

What is funded

Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD position (covering EU/Non-EU fees and an annual stipend of €25,000) under the supervision of Prof. Chris Batchelor-McAuley (https://mcauleygroup.net/).

Eligibility

Candidates must meet requirements for registration in postgraduate studies at Trinity College Dublin. For more information and details please see https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission-requirements

/postgraduate/. Funding is available for both EU and non-EU students.

Application Procedure

Candidates should email applications as a single combined PDF including a cover letter (1 page max.) outlining their motivation and research interests, and a CV (2 pages max) to chris.mcauley@tcd.ie by May 14th 2023. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed online. 

The McAuley Group and the School of Chemistry welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, and applications are particularly encouraged from all genders / ethnicities / backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in Chemistry.