Tunable 2D-BNC architectures via ‘Topological Design

About the Project

We are offering a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with the electron Physical Science Imaging Centre (ePSIC) at Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron facility. This project is ideal for a motivated physics or chemistry graduate interested in nanoscience, quantum materials, and advanced microscopy, and who wants to work hands-on with world-leading research facilities.

Project overview: The aim of this PhD is to design and fabricate tunable 2D-BNC materials: ultra-thin, graphene-like films where boron and nitrogen atoms are assembled in carefully controlled patterns. You will work with tailor-made molecular precursors, activating them on surfaces, to create customised films just one atomic layer thick. The atomic structures within the materials may act as single-photon emitters, spin-active quantum-centres, and provide controllable electronic states for next-generation technologies (quantum/sensing/optoelectronics). A key ambition of the project is to understand how atomic-scale structure controls real device behaviour, including in-operando measurements while devices are electrically active.

The advanced STM/nc-AFM techniques available in Nottingham will provide visualisation of materials on the atomic scale. In combination with the machine-learning-facilitated TEM acquisition and analysis at the ePSIC facility at Diamond Light Source, fabricated films will be studied in in isolation and as part of complex multilayer devices. The project will be supervised by Dr Alex Saywell (Nottingham) and Dr Christopher Allen (Diamond), with co-supervision from Dr David Duncan and Dr Oleg Makarovskiy at the University of Nottingham.

You will gain direct experience with ultra-high vacuum systems, nanofabrication, scientific programming, and advanced data analysis. Specifically, you will utilise state-of-the-art scanning probe microscopy techniques and aberration-corrected TEM, as well as synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. This PhD is designed to support technical and professional development. Alongside cutting-edge experimental skills, you will gain experience in: Scientific communication and presentation, collaborative research across institutions, as well as project management, mentoring, and leadership. These skills are highly transferable and valued in both academic and industrial careers, including nanotechnology, quantum technologies, instrumentation, and advanced materials industries.

About you: We are looking for a curious and motivated student with a background in physics, chemistry, or a related subject. Any practical experience with ultra-high vacuum systems, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), or scientific programming would be a bonus, but is not essential (prior experience with the listed techniques is not required, training will be provided). This project involves collaboration across Nottingham and Diamond. You will join vibrant research groups and interact with researchers from around the world who access ePSIC and other Diamond beamlines.

Details of funding: The project is funded by an EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Collaborative Studentship in collaboration Diamond Light Source (Oxfordshire): with least 18 months of the project being based at Diamond. The funding for this studentship is available to both home and international students. The 4-year studentship should commence by October 2026 (later start dates, up to March 2027, are possible). A degree in a relevant physical sciences discipline is required. Due to the increased cost of living in Oxfordshire, the stipend for this studentship will be enhanced by £2000 per year above the UKRI minimum stipend.

To apply: If this project interests you, then please email alex.saywell@nottingham.ac.uk and christopher.allen@diamond.ac.uk with your CV and a cover letter. A template CV and guidance for writing a covering letter is available upon request. Short-listed candidates will be invited to informal discussions and tours of both facilities, followed by a formal interview.

Funding Notes

The project is funded by an EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Collaborative Studentship in collaboration Diamond Light Source (Oxfordshire): with least 18 months of the project being based at Diamond. The funding for this studentship is available to both home and international students. The 4-year studentship should commence by October 2026 (later start dates, up to March 2027, are possible). A degree in a relevant physical sciences discipline is required. Due to the increased cost of living in Oxfordshire, the stipend for this studentship will be enhanced by £2000 per year above the UKRI minimum stipend.