University of Edinburgh
About the Project
A PhD studentship is available in the group of Professor J. P. Attfield, University of Edinburgh, School of Chemistry, and is co-supervised by Dr Pascal Manuel, UKRI STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility.
Project Summary
This project will explore and develop capabilities for neutron microcrystal diffraction to study functional inorganic materials. These are transition metal oxides and nitrides [1], which are major classes of materials with many important properties such as high-Tc superconductivity, ferroelectricity, CMR (colossal magnetoresistance) and spintronics, multiferroicity, and ionic conductivity for oxides, while nitrides find applications as superconductors, semiconductors, photovoltaics, hard ceramic coatings, ferroelectrics, luminescent materials, and permanent magnets.
Neutron diffraction is essential for studying the structures of such materials, making use of the strong scattering from O/N atoms and the large contrasts between many metals e.g. Fe/Co, as well as magnetic scattering from spin-ordered materials. Experiments traditionally use relatively large single crystals (edge length 1-10 mm) or polycrystalline powders typically consisting of 0.1 – 10 m grains
The high photon fluxes available at modern synchrotrons have enabled single crystal X-ray experiments to bridge the gap between traditional crystal and powder regimes, enabling a single grain in a powder to be analysed as a single crystal [2]. Development of new high flux pulsed neutron sources such as ESS and the proposed ISIS-II makes it timely to explore and extend the limits of microcrystal neutron diffraction. This project will explore and develop capabilities for neutron microcrystal diffraction using the WISH [3] and the future WISH-II [4] diffractometers at ISIS [3].
The student will be based in Edinburgh during Years 1 and 2, and at the ISIS facility during Year 3.
How to apply
In the first instance, the initial application of cover letter and CV should be directed to Professor J. P. Attfield, email: [email protected]
The position will remain open until filled. A closing date may be added at a later date. The student must start by 1/10/2025.
IMPORTANT
Before Submitting your cover letter and CV, please complete the online EDI Form, see:
School of Chemistry Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form, entry 2025-26.
The form will automatically generate a unique ‘Response ID number’ that you must include in your cover letter.
Equality and Diversity
The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality.
The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment.
For further information, please see our University Initiatives website:
https://equality-diversity.ed.ac.uk/inclusion/family-and-carer
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