About the Project
This PhD project will apply high-pressure experimental approaches from Earth sciences to organic electronics. High pressure is routinely used to investigate minerals and geological materials, revealing phase transformations and metastable structures that cannot be accessed under ambient conditions. Here, these methods will be adapted to non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), an important class of organic semiconductors used in organic photovoltaic devices.
The project will investigate how pressure can reveal, stabilise and ultimately help control previously inaccessible crystalline phases, or polymorphs, in NFAs. Molecular packing strongly influences light absorption, charge transport, energy levels and long-term stability in these materials. However, the polymorphic landscapes of many leading NFAs are still poorly understood. This limits the ability to produce reproducible thin-film microstructures and may compromise the operational lifetime of organic solar cells.
This highly multidisciplinary project combines high-pressure experimentation with organic electronic-device fabrication, giving the student broad practical and analytical training across materials discovery, crystallography, spectroscopy, thin-film processing and photovoltaic characterisation. Working across these complementary fields, the student will develop the ability to connect molecular-scale structural change with device-scale performance, an increasingly valuable skill set for careers in sustainable-energy materials, advanced manufacturing and academic research.
Applications are encouraged from applicants from Materials, Earth Sciences, Physics & Chemistry. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, the successful candiadate will be able to shape and direct the research depending upon their interests and experience.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply:
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Materials, Chemistry, Physics & Earth Sciences OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Materials, Chemistry, Physics & Earth Sciences.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.