Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on a project to study self-assembly of nanoparticles and colloids using computer simulations in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham, named University of the Year 2014 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Supervisor:
Dr Dwaipayan Chakrabarti, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham
Project description:
Self-assembly of nanoparticles and colloidal building blocks has enormous potential as a means of structure fabrication because of the scope for tuning their interactions under laboratory conditions. The recent increase in availability of an exotic variety of nanoparticles and colloidal building blocks, different in shape, composition, pattern, and functionality, has provided a great boost to this bottom-up strategy. However, design rules for engineering their assembly into target structures are rather limited. The challenge is to encode the target structure into the building blocks. The project seeks rational design of nanoparticles and colloidal building blocks for programmed assembly into functional structures. To this end the successful candidate will develop, adapt, and apply computational methods. A key element of the computational approach will be to map and analyse the underlying potential and free energy landscapes for the system of interest in close connection with contemporary experimental research.
Person specification:
Applicants must have a Masters in chemistry or physics or in a related discipline at the upper second class level, the normal requirement being at least 65% overall degree mark. A background in computer simulations with programming experience will be advantageous, but not essential.
How to apply:
For further details and informal enquiry please visit http://www.stchem.bham.ac.uk/~dchakrabarti/ and contact Dr Dwaipayan Chakrabarti at d.chakrabarti@bham.ac.uk.
Apply online at https://pga.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS006.htm.
Application deadline:Â
Applications will be given full consideration if received by November 25, 2013. The starting date is January, 2014.
Funding Note:
This PhD studentship will be funded by the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham and due to funding restrictions covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 for three years.