 |
 |
We would like to draw your attention to 3 fully-funded PhD studentships in spectroscopy and dynamics.
1. Probing the origins of life using anion photoelectron spectroscopy
Professors Helen Fielding and Stephen Price (UCL Chemistry)
The aims of this project are:
·
To record high-resolution photoelectron spectra of a number of deprotonated PAH anions and heterocyclic anions and to carry out supporting quantum chemistry calculations
to understand their electronic structure. This will provide important data for astrochemists, such as electron affinities, which are required for modelling anion abundances.
·
To investigate the excited state dynamics (photochemistry and photophysics) of deprotonated PAH anions and heterocyclic anions using femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron
spectroscopy. The reactivity and fate of the excited states of these anions is crucial for understanding their fate in energized environments such as the ISM.
2. Liquid-microjet photoelectron spectroscopy of photoactive protein chromophores
Professors Helen Fielding (UCL Chemistry) and Georg Held (Diamond Light Source)
The aims of this project are:
·
To develop a liquid micro-jet photoelectron spectroscopy facility on the VERSOX beamline at the Diamond light source suitable for measuring photoelectron spectra of fluorophores
in aqueous solution.
·
To measure the x-ray photoelectron spectra (valence band and core levels) of a series of single molecule GFP chromophores using the VERSOX beamline at Diamond.
·
To measure resonance-enhanced multiphoton photoelectron spectra and femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectra of this series of single molecule GFP chromophores at
UCL (EPSRC project EP/L005646/1).
·
To carry out quantum chemistry calculations to assist with the interpretation of the photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and to unravel the effect of aqueous solvent
on the electronic structure of the chromophores.
3. Reactions of H, O, N atoms with molecules on astrochemically relevant surfaces
Professor Stephen Price (UCL Chemistry) with Professors Wendy Brown (Sussex) and Martin McCoustra
(Heriot-Watt)
The aims of this project are:
·
To study the reactions of H and O atoms with small organic molecules on surfaces under conditions relevant to the interstellar medium.
·
To develop a source of N atoms and study their reactions with small organic molecules on surfaces under conditions relevant to the interstellar medium.
·
To develop a source of molecular radicals suitable for the study of their surface chemistry under conditions relevant to the interstellar medium.
The start date is 1 October 2015 for all 3 studentships. The PhD stipends will be ca. £16,794 p.a. (tax and fees paid) and will last for 3 years. Due to restrictions on funding, these studentships are only
open to candidates who satisfy EPSRC eligibility requirements, i.e. from the UK/EU with 3 years residency in the UK.
These projects will suit candidates with strong backgrounds or interests in spectroscopy, chemical dynamics and data analysis. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a 1 or 2.1 MSci degree in chemistry
or physics. For further information about the projects, please contact Professor Helen Fielding ([log in to unmask]),
Professor Stephen Price ([log in to unmask]) or Professor Georg Held ([log in to unmask]).
For further details about the application process, please contact Dr Jadranka Butorac in the Chemistry Department (tel: +44 (0)20 7679 4650, email:
[log in to unmask]).