The Nanoscale Microscopy Group in the Physics Department at Lancaster University is seeking an outstanding candidate to work on a PhD project on Quantum Nanoelectromechanical Systems (Quantum NEMS, or QEMS) based on two-dimensional (2D) materials. The project will explore fundamentals of nanomechanical and quantum mechanical phenomena of 2D materials that include graphene, boron nitride, MoS2 and their heterostructures in micro- and nano-scale electromechanical devices. The 2D materials have highest elastic moduli and mechanical strength known to nature, as well as a range of unique electronic and thermal properties offering pathways for novel record-breaking NEMS and QEMS devices. The project will use cutting edge experimental techniques including e-beam and state-of-the-art optical lithography, advanced scanning probe microscopy combined with ultra-high frequency ultrasonic excitation, GHz range Laser Doppler vibrometry and super-sensitive optical interferometry, and is conducted in close interaction with the leading modelling groups in the field.
Lancaster University is one of the top 10 Universities in the UK. The Physics Department was ranked 2nd in UK for world-leading research following Physics Department of the University of Oxford in the most recent Research Assessment. The Nanoscale Microscopy Group at Lancaster have made world leading contributions to the nanoscale probing of physical properties, including inventions of ultrasonic force microscopy, nano-manipulation of ferroelectric domains, sub-surface nanomechanical and nanoelectromechanical imaging in 2D materials, and nanoscale mapping of thermo-physical properties of graphene. The group has close research links with the National Graphene Institute in Manchester leading the 2D Materials Nanomechanics Lab for the Graphene NowNANO centre for doctoral training, collaborations with UK National Physics Laboratory, and the leading UK and EU research institutions. The project will benefit from the full access to the state-of-the-art facilities of Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/quantum-technology/ and the new ultra-isolated environment lab http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/facilities/projects/isolab/.
The successful PhD candidate will demonstrate an excellent academic record in physics, material science or related area. Knowledge of and experience in either scanning probe microscopy and/or measurements of advanced physical properties, and modelling would be greatly advantageous. The candidate is expected to successfully work as part of a team, with good inter-personal skills and to successfully complete research project suitable for the award of a PhD in Physics including publications in high impact peer-reviewed articles. The PhD project is for 3.5 years duration, with both UK and EU candidates are eligible, support includes full fees and a standard maintenance stipend. Please contact Prof. Oleg Kolosov (o.kolosov@lancaster.ac.uk, www.nano-science.com) for any additional enquiries. You can also apply directly at http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/postgraduate/how-to-apply/ stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor.
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