This 3 year project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, will expand on initial investigations (recently published in PRL 108, 173401) to study the properties of so-called Superatom Molecular Orbitals (SAMOs) for a range of hollow fullerene-based molecular systems (functionalized fullerenes, endohedral fullerenes, small carbon nanotubes). The aim will be to understand how the properties of the orbitals can be tuned by modifying the fullerene cage, ultimately leading to the development of materials with specific electronic properties. The project will combine experiment and theory. Advanced experimental techniques such as velocity map imaging photoelectron spectroscopy using amplified,wavelength-tunable fs laser pulses will be used to probe the properties of the SAMO excited states. The experimental work will be complemented by theoretical calculations of photoelectron angular distributions using time-dependent density functional theory.
You should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in chemistry, physics or chemical physics.
Please address informal enquiries to Prof. Eleanor Campbell (eleanor.campbell(a)ed.ac.uk). For the formal application procedure see: www.chem.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate_research/apply.html.

Position is fully funded (stipend and fees) for UK/EU citizens (or students who have spent at least 3 years in the UK).