The Ultramicroscopy Research Group, based at the Advanced Microscopy Laboratory – Trinity College Dublin, is offering one fully-funded PhD position (4 years) for September 2022 start in the area of high resolution imaging of perovskites.
The overarching goal of the research is to advance the fundamental understanding of antiferroelectricity in PbZrO3 thin films and nanostructures, through multipronged theoretical and experimental studies of nanoscale polarisation. Specifically, we will address the nanoscale organisation of dielectric dipoles in oxides that can lead to macroscopic presence or absence of switchable polarisation. Together with collaborators, this work will correlate microscopic structural changes with macroscopic properties in this archetypal antiferroelectric, exploring the stability of classical antiferroelectric (AFE), ferrielectric (FiE), and ferroelectric (FE) behaviour in PbZrO3 thin films and nanostructures.
The PhD student will be responsible for the high-resolution imaging of the materials at the atomic scale. They will be trained to perform aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy of the specimens using the Nion UltraSTEM200 based at the Advanced Microscopy Laboratory in Trinity College Dublin. These results will then feed into the wider collaborative partnership.
The ideal applicant will have a 1st Class or 2i Master's or Honours Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline. Previous experience with electron microscopy or perovskites/oxides would be a bonus but not essential. The researcher will work independently, but also closely with other members of a multidisciplinary project team. Good written and oral communication skills are essential.
Further Details:
This project will be supervised by Prof Lewys Jones and Dr Jonathan Peters. A stipend of €18,500 p.a. will be paid to the student (paid monthly). Fees are provided up to the EU fee level*. Non-EU students will need to pay a fees contribution of approx. €10,500 p.a..
* For this 2022 intake Ukrainian nationals displace by the war will be considered eligible for the EU fees status and will have their whole PhD fees covered.
Candidates should email applications as a single combined PDF including a cover letter (1 page max.) outlining their motivation and fit with the project, and a CV (2 pages max) to lewys.jones@tcd.ie Applications will close at 5pm Friday 8th July. We hope to shortlist and interview very soon after.
The Ultramicroscopy Group and the School of Physics welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, and applications are particularly encouraged from all genders / ethnicities / backgrounds traditionally under-represented in Physics.
DEADLINE: 8th July 2022
Further Links:
Research Group Webpage: https://www.tcd.ie/Physics/research/groups/ultramicroscopy/
Vacancy webpage: https://www.tcd.ie/Physics/research/groups/ultramicroscopy/positions/