About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Pier-John Sazio and Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis
Join a PhD at the forefront of photonics, advanced materials and AI. Develop next-generation chalcogenide materials using state-of-the-art cleanroom fabrication, machine learning and simulation. Gain valuable expertise in materials discovery, device characterisation and photonic technologies while collaborating with leading researchers and industry partners.
In this PhD programme, you will develop chalcogenide glass materials based on the group VI elements S, Se and Te which have attracted global attention as advanced materials for optical, photonic and electronic applications.
We create these using the unique processes developed at the Novel and compound glass facilities within the Zepler cleanrooms. The properties of these amorphous semiconductor materials ensure a very wide transparency range, spanning from the visible to the far infrared, thus giving rise to numerous potential industrial applications.
However, the synthesis of these materials is often complex and capital intensive, as they are typically combined with rare and expensive elements including Ge, Sb, Ga etc. Therefore, in parallel with experimental activities, modelling and simulations will form a significant aspect of your research by developing cutting edge knowledge and expertise with the burgeoning range of AI tools available for materials discovery at the atomistic level to use earth abundant elements and thus develop the next generation of advanced materials with extraordinary properties.
This ML/AI driven project would thus be suitable for a highly motivated candidate with a strong physics/materials/engineering related background and programming abilities to develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom sample fabrication and electronic and photonic device characterisation, materials processing, numerical simulations and machine learning with input from industry partners and working with leading academic experts.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physics
- materials science
- engineering
Programming is an essential skill.
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
- choose the relevant PhD ORC (7097)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
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.
