PhD position at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland): Ultrafast Chirality for Life and Technology (EU MSCA Project TRILOGY)
About the Project
The EU-funded Horizon Europe Doctoral Network TRILOGY advances the emerging field of ultrafast chirality by exploiting light-driven electron dynamics to overcome the limits of conventional chiro-optical methods (see https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101226887 and https://trilogy-dn.eu/). Targeting applications in the life sciences and advanced technologies, TRILOGY will develop next-generation, high-sensitivity spectroscopic tools to excite and probe electron motion in chiral molecules, supported by close collaboration with industrial partners to enable rapid translation into applications.
The network comprises 11 leading European institutions and will train 16 Doctoral Candidates at the forefront of ultrafast science, spanning both experiment and theory. The programme provides a uniquely interdisciplinary environment and equips researchers with highly competitive skills in fundamental physics, technology development, and industrial engagement.
The Doctoral Candidate will be based at Heriot‑Watt University (HWU) in Edinburgh, Scotland (10 km from the city centre), joining a small research team investigating the ultrafast dynamics of chiral molecules (https://umd.site.hw.ac.uk/). The group is led by Prof. Dave Townsend, and the project will employ femtosecond laser systems, non‑linear optics, and ultrahigh‑vacuum photoelectron imaging spectrometers. The HWU project comprises three interconnected themes:
- Developing and characterizing tomographic and machine‑learning methods to enhance acquisition and analysis of photoelectron imaging data.
- Refining and characterizing advanced sample delivery techniques for generating gas‑phase samples of non‑volatile molecules.
- Applying advances from Themes 1 and 2 to investigate novel photoelectron asymmetries induced by two‑colour excitation/ionization schemes, exploring the influence of optical properties such as elliptical polarization and orbital angular momentum.
In addition to work at HWU, the Doctoral Candidate will undertake experiments and receive training at several of the other TRILOGY partner institutions.
We seek highly motivated candidates with strong skills in experimental physics, data analysis, multi‑task organisation, and collaborative work. Experience in femtosecond technology, ultrafast science, vacuum systems, photoelectron spectroscopy, or molecular chirality is highly advantageous. Fluent English is required.
This full‑time, three‑year position (35 hours per week) is expected to start on 1 October 2026 (or shortly thereafter). Funding is provided through the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions and includes a remuneration package in line with European Commission guidelines: a pre-tax monthly Living Allowance of ~£4900, and a Family Allowance where applicable. Standard benefits include access to a pension scheme and 33 days of paid annual leave (based on a five‑day working week).
Applicants must meet the MSCA transnational mobility requirement, i.e. they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the recruitment date. A UK work visa will be required (currently £766) and candidates will also have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (£1035 per year) – but funding (via a Mobility Allowance) is available to support these costs.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dave Townsend (D.Townsend@hw.ac.uk).
Application procedure: Apply via https://hwacuk.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login
(a) Study Option Select Edinburgh → Postgraduate Research. Under Programme, choose Physics PhD and select October 2026 as the start date.
(b) Research Project Information In the free‑text box, enter: “EU‑funded Horizon Europe Doctoral Network TRILOGY under the supervision of Prof. Dave Townsend.”
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!
