Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Application deadline: Thursday, 30 September 2027
About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Giorgio Adamo, Dr Nikitas Papasimakis, Dr Dong-Yang Wang
Recent developments in quantum materials and topological design principles is transforming how we control the flow of light and charges. This project will develop nanostructured metasurfaces where optical and electronic functionalities are codesigned, fostering the emergence of novel coherent phenomena, leading to new generations of light-emitting and detecting optoelectronic (meta)devices
Metasurfaces are thin planar arrays of subwavelength nanostructures that have transformed the way we can control the flow of light. Recent breakthroughs in quantum materials and topology-led design have extended their capabilities from passive to active manipulation.
This project pursues the dynamic control of light emission and absorption in optoelectronic metasurfaces where the optical and electronic responses intertwine and become crucial for determining their functionalities.
During the project you will research strategies to engineer the short- and long-range interactions of matter with light in these platforms by engaging various degrees of freedom like polarization, spin, and symmetry. You will do it through a blend of experimental activities, theoretical analysis and numerical modelling.
You will join the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), a world-leading photonics research organization, and collaborate closely with students, researchers and academic experts. You will be encouraged to take initiative, develop and test your own ideas. You will have the opportunity to engage in collaborations, research meetings and to present your work at major international conferences. Your research is expected to generate several papers in leading academic journals and contribute to shaping the future of this exciting field.
As the project progresses, you will learn new ideas and concepts and develop highly transferable know-how and skills. These include cleanroom nanofabrication, photonic and electronic materials and devices design, manufacturing and characterisation, numerical simulations. This experience will prepare you for opportunities in academia and industry.
Our extensive PhD training programme provides knowledge and skills through photonics lectures, training for report writing, project management, time management, presentation skills and full safety training for your research area. These are all essential life skills for the next step in your career.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in one of the following:
- physics
- engineering
- mathematics
- materials science
- or closely related disciplines
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, g.adamo@soton.ac.uk
The School of Optoelectronics (ORC) is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.