PhD Position Available

I have a fully funded 4-year PhD position available (UK Home Students only) in my group in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, for an October 2025 start date.

The project will develop a new ion-electron coincidence imaging instrument to study the ultrafast dynamics of electron-molecule collisions in the gas phase, so that we can better understand how ionised systems respond to their new electronic configuration, and how this response goes on to define their chemistry. 

You will also be periodically involved in collaborative work at international user facilities, such as X-ray free electron lasers, synchrotrons and the Central Laser Facility. These opportunities will diversify your expertise in cutting-edge chemical dynamics research and allow you to make connections with the international community.

We are looking for anyone with a background in chemistry, physics, or a related field who enjoys discovering 'how' and 'why' the world works in the way that it does. You will need to have or be on-track to have a 2:1 (or better) MSc, MChem, or an equivalent degree that contains a substantial research component, by the start date. If you have any experience in the use of lasers, high vacuum systems, or scientific programming, then that is a bonus, but it is by no means essential. 

We will give you direct experience and training in the use of femtosecond laser systems and optics, high vacuum apparatus and instrumentation, charged particle optics and detection systems, signal processing and scientific programming, quantum chemical calculation and molecular dynamics simulations, and computer-aided design. These technical skills are widely transferable and are highly sought-after in a range of industry and academic career pathways. 

If you are interested in discussing the project, your potential fit, or any other finer details, then please don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly (patrick.robertson@nottingham.ac.uk). Similarly, if you or your colleagues know anyone who might be interested or well-suited to the position, then please pass this advert onto them. 

The position will remain open until it is filled. 

Details of the position are available on the University of Nottingham website and also on jobs.ac.uk.

Alternatively, just drop us a line and we’d be happy to talk things through.