The Nottingham Ultrafast Reaction Dynamics [NURD] Lab is an experimental physical chemistry research group in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham
Our research focuses on developing a deeper understanding of how and why chemical reactions occur in the way that they do. The kinds of reactions we’re interested in are ones initiated by absorption of light or collisions with electrons that lead ionisation. These types of chemistries are found in a wide-range of natural contexts, such as the chemistry of our bodies, the Earth's atmosphere and the Interstellar Medium; and are harnessed in technology-driven fields such as functional materials or plasma generation. Our hope is that this fundamental knowledge guides others towards the solutions to larger questions or challenges facing our society.
*** We are currently recruiting candidates for a fully-funded 4-year PhD position (UK Home Students only) in our group for an October 2025 start. GET IN TOUCH IF THIS IS OF INTEREST TO YOU***
NURD Lab uses cutting-edge ultrafast laser techniques, custom-built mass spectrometers and charged-particle detection methods. We collaborate with other groups at international free electron laser facilities, and with experts in theoretical quantum chemistry.
Working with us will give you hands-on experience in any or all of, lasers, optics, high-vacuum instrumentation, method development, scientific programming in python, quantum chemical calculations, science communication and an introduction to an international network of physical chemistry and chemical physicists. These skills are highly sought after and widely transferrable to many academic and industrial career pathways. If you're interested in getting involved at any level of study, please do get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.
Funding
We receive generous support for our research from various sources. So, thank you to anyone who has ever given us a dollar for research, travel, or otherwise.
