A PhD position is available to start from October 2012 for a graduate of Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science with interests in computational modeling at the atomic scale. The student would join the large theory group in the Surface Science Research Centre and would work closely with experimentalists measuring the properties of water and small organic molecules on surfaces. We employ a range of techniques such as electronic structure calculation and molecular dynamics in our studies. In addition to becoming well-versed in Surface Science and Computational Chemistry and Physics, the student will also develop general skills in scientific computing and general technical use of computers. Previous students have found subsequent employment in the chemical industry, the academic sector and in engineering. The stipend is at the standard EPSRC rate (£13,590). Candidates will have at least an upper second class Masters degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.

Some recent publications:

Order and disorder in the wetting layer on Ru(0001), Faraday Discussions 141, 241 (2009).

Dynamic Chiral Flipping within Strongly Chemisorbed Molecular Monolayers at Surfaces, Chem. Commun. 47, 11324 (2011).

Tailoring the Structure of Water at a Metal Surface: A Structural Analysis of the Water Bilayer Formed on an Alloy Template, Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 226101 (2011).

Please note that only UK/EU students are eligible to apply for this PhD studentship vacancy due to funding restrictions.
Enquiries should be directed to Dr. George Darling, email: darling@liv.ac.uk

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 August 2012.