PhD in Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering: Simulating Nanofabrication with the Finite-Element Method

About the Project

Start date: From October 2026, flexible

Modern nanofabrication enables semiconductor devices, power electronics, sensors, and future quantum computing and neuromorphic technologies. As technology advances and fabricated structures become more miniaturised and involve complex 3D topographies, greater control is required over the processes involved. This can only be achieved through advanced simulation tools, which you will develop in this project.

Currently, most existing modelling tools are based on lower-fidelity schemes such as finite differences. This creates severe problems, especially when integrating additional physical simulations such as thermal, stress, or electrical effects.

In this 3.5-year PhD project, you will leverage the MoFEM parallel finite element library to develop an FEM package for feature-scale topography simulation. You will solve the level-set (LS) equation using FEM, and integrate a ray-tracing scheme, a technique from the Computer Graphics domain, to calculate the surface advection rates. With the development of the tool, you will aim to answer:

• How can the LS equation be solved efficiently using the finite-element method?
• What are the required physics (Langmuir-Hinshelwood/Eley-Rideal kinetics? Knudsen diffusion?) necessary to model technologically relevant nanofabrication techniques (e.g. reactive ion etching, atomic layer processing)?
• Can we develop digital twins of experimental fabrication tools at the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre?

Application details & further information

We are looking for a motivated student with considerable interest in scientific programming, numerical methods and computational nanoelectronics. The ideal candidate will have:

• A first class or upper second class degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Computational Science and Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• A relevant Master’s degree is desirable.
• Strong programming skills (e.g. Linux development, Python, C/C++) and basic knowledge of FEM.
• Interest (but not necessarily experience) in nanofabrication.

We are committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment in all our activities. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from groups which have been historically under-represented in STEM subjects/research.

For more information, see the DeepNano Group and the Glasgow Computational Engineering Centre’s (GCEC) websites.

How to Apply: Please follow the link to apply:

To apply, please contact Luiz.Aguinsky@glasgow.ac.uk with:

• A short motivation statement outlining your interest and suitability.
• Your CV.
• A link to a technical writing sample in English of which you were the main author (ideally a published or preprint paper).

Funding Notes

The studentship funds tuition fees and provides a stipend at the UKRI rate (currently at £20,780 for the 2025-26 academic year) for 3.5 years.

Funding is prioritized for UK home students (including Republic of Ireland). Exceptional international students (i.e., having first class-equivalent degrees from highly ranked universities and published works) are encouraged to apply.