Unveiling Structure–Property Relationships in Layered Materials via Synchrotron Techniques and Computational Modelling

About the Project

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD studentship jointly hosted by the University of Birmingham and Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron facility. This position is co-funded by the Ada Lovelace Centre and the University of Birmingham.

This interdisciplinary project is ideal for candidates with a background in physics, materials science, chemistry, or computational science, and a strong interest in applying advanced physical and computational methods to real-world challenges in energy and environmental technologies.

The research will focus on the nano-architecture of layered materials—such as perovskites, graphene, double-layered hydroxides, and clay minerals—which are critical to applications in energy storage, catalysis, and environmental remediation. These materials exhibit complex two-dimensional structures whose performance is governed by subtle variations in layer stacking and nanoscale disorder—features that are difficult to resolve with currently available analysis methods.

You will gain expertise in integrating experimental total scattering and high-resolution imaging data with artificial intelligence and atomistic simulation tools to overcome current limitations in nanoscale layered materials characterisation. This interdisciplinary approach will allow you to probe both local atomic environments and long-range structural features, such as stacking sequences and defects, with unprecedented detail. Through this work, you will uncover the fundamental links between synthesis conditions, microstructure, and macroscopic properties of layered materials. Your research will contribute to the accelerated discovery and optimisation of next-generation materials, with the flexibility to focus on applications such as advanced battery cathodes, nuclear waste immobilisation, or even the chemical-physical environments thought to underpin the origin of life.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of experimental physics, data science, and materials modelling, with the goal of uncovering the fundamental structure–property relationships that govern material performance.

You will be based 50% at the University of Birmingham in the Materials Chemistry for Sustainability Group (Dr Phoebe Allan) and 50% at Diamond Light Source (Dr Alberto Leonardi), gaining hands-on experience with world-class synchrotron instrumentation and computational infrastructure.

Key features of the studentship:

• Training in advanced scattering physics, AI-driven data analysis, and atomistic modelling
• Opportunities to present at international conferences and collaborate with industry
• Development of transferable skills in scientific computing, writing, and communication
• Optional teaching and outreach experience

The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 on an anti-discrimination ethos accepting men and women on an equal basis. Today, as a community of over 150 nationalities in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness irrespective of age, disability, gender, pregnancy or marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity. The School of Chemistry is housed in the new state-of-the-art Molecular Sciences Building which opened in 2024 and is home to a vibrant community of groups researching battery materials development and recycling, mechanochemistry, and chemistry for sustainability more widely.

Candidates should have or expect to receive a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science, computer science or other related discipline. This 42-month studentship comes with a budget for training, conference attendance as well as for travel between Birmingham and Diamond Light Source.

Applications should be made through the University of Birmingham’s online application system. Please contact Dr Phoebe Allan or Dr Alberto Leonardi in advance of applying, providing a CV and a summary of research interests. Further information can be obtained by emailing Dr Phoebe Allan (p.allan@bham.ac.uk) or Dr Alberto Leonardi (alberto.leonardi@diamond.ac.uk).

Funding notes:

Funding is only available for UK resident students. Review of applications will begin on July 10th and continue until the position is filled.