Surface Science: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in the effect of rotational polarisation on gas-surface reactivity (RS805)

Funding provider: EPSRC DTP  

Subject areas: Molecular beams, Surface science and Quantum-state resolved collisions 

Project start date: 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-June) 

Supervisors: Dr Helen Chadwick and Prof. Gil Alexandrowicz 

Aligned programme of study:  PhD in Chemistry 

Mode of study:  Full-time

Project description: 

Hydrogen is the most abundant molecule in the universe, and it’s interaction with surfaces plays a key role in a huge range of processes, from star formation to the safe storage of rocket fuel, to industrial catalysis and green energy production. The aim of this PhD project is to study hydrogen colliding with surfaces at a fundamental, molecular level to gain unprecedented insight into the role that rotations play in gas-surface collisions.  

The group the student will join uses and further develops a unique Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI) apparatus which allows us to control and manipulate the rotational orientation projection states of hydrogen molecules in gas-surface collisions, which can classically be considered to correspond to whether the molecules are preferentially rotating like a helicopter or a cartwheel before they collide with the surface. The PhD project, which forms part of a Future Leaders Fellowship project (MR/X03609X/1), will explore whether changing the rotational orientation projection state of H₂ molecules affects the probability that energy is transferred between the molecule and a surface as well as the reactivity of H₂ with a surface.   

This project will involve using and further developing both the experimental and data analysis methods that are currently used within the research team. The student will learn how to use the MMI apparatus, gaining knowledge of, for example, molecular and atomic beams, ultra-high vacuum systems, cryogenic technologies and a range of measurement and surface science techniques. They will also analyse the experimental data, developing techniques to extract information about the rotational orientation dependence of the gas-surface reaction, as well as performing numerical simulations to determine how best to perform the measurements to maximise the information that can be obtained. 

Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in chemistry, physics or a related subject, or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry, physics or a related subject (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). See - Country-specific Information for EU and International Candidates. 

English Language

IELTS 6.0 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online here with the following information:

1. Course choice– please select Chemistry / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / July
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS805 – Gas Surface Reactivity'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable)
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Helen Chadwick via h.j.chadwick@swansea.ac.uk

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.