Applications are invited for a talented PhD candidate to join our team working towards the understanding and development of multi-position molecular switches based on individual endohedral fullerene molecules.
The project will involve a combination of experimental work and theoretical calculations to determine the conductance and switching mechanism within the endohedral molecules. The theoretical component of the project will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Amy Khoo at IHPC, A*STAR (https://www.a-star.edu.sg/ihpc) and will involve spending up to 18 months in Singapore. The experimental work will be carried out in collaboration with Dr Renald Schaub (University of St Andrews).
The research is motivated by recent experimental studies in Edinburgh and St Andrews that have demonstrated a multi-way switch using Li@C60 deposited on a Au substrate. The position of the Li inside the fullerene cage can be manipulated by applying a voltage from an STM tip in a novel mechanism that is thought to be connected to the excitation of diffuse Rydberg-like molecular orbitals [1]. As many as 14 different switch positions have been identified within a single molecule [2], far more than for conventional molecular switches. An increased understanding of the mechanism and further studies on the optimisation and control of the switching phenomenon in endohedral fullerenes could lead to the development of a highly promising nanoelectronic component.
A suitable candidate will possess, or expect to obtain, a first class or upper-second class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in chemical physics, chemistry, physics or materials science. A strong interest in theory, quantum mechanics and computation is essential as is a desire to work with advanced experimental techniques involving fs laser photoelectron spectroscopy, velocity map imaging and low temperature STM. Other essential attributes are good presentation and communication skills, both written and oral. In the first instance, informal enquiries (accompanied by a CV, cover letter and contact details of two referees) should be directed to Prof. Eleanor Campbell. For the formal application procedure see http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/phd/applications-and-entry-requirements.
Eligibility: Primarily UK residents but outstanding EU candidates may be considered, for details see https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/. Starting date is September 2019. Applications will be considered until an excellent candidate has been identified.
[1] M. Stefanou, H. J. Chandler, B. Mignolet, E. Williams, S. A. Nanoh, J. O. F. Thompson, F. Remacle, R. Schaub, E. E. B. Campbell, “Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunnelling spectroscopy studies of the endohedral fullerene Li@C60”, Nanoscale 11 (2019) 2668-2678
[2] H.J. Chandler, M. Stefanou, E.E.B. Campbell, R. Schaub, ”Li@C60 as a multi-state molecular switch”, Nature Communications 10 (2019) 2283.
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