2023 CDT PhD Studentships

Full studentships (tuition fees and stipends) are available for UK/home students.

EU/International applicants are eligible to apply if they can secure their own source of funding.  For exceptionally academically strong international students with proven research potential the CDT may be able to assist with applications to University of Manchester scholarships (President’s scholarships, Dean’s scholarships). Visit our website for information and guidance

Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Science and Applications of Graphene and Related Nanomaterials (Graphene NOWNANO)

Established in 2013 with EPSRC (UK Research Council) funding and now supported by the University of Manchester and industry, the Graphene NOWNANO CDT offers PhD training in science, technology and applications of the fast-growing family of two-dimensional materials. The CDT works in close collaboration with the National Graphene Institute, Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre and Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials. The team of potential PhD supervisors spans 8 academic departments at Manchester and Lancaster which includes two Nobel laureates and 11 highly cited researchers (ranked within 1% of their disciplines) who are responsible for a number of breakthroughs in graphene/2D materials research and continue to lead the world in their specialist fields.

In preparation for challenging interdisciplinary 3.5 year research projects students initially complete a 6 month taught programme in the fundamentals of 2D materials and core research techniques. This is followed by further training in innovation and commercialisation of research, transferrable skills, secondments either in academia or industry and an active outreach programme introducing graphene and 2D materials to the general public.

The CDT PhD programme offers:

• 6-month training in fundamentals of 2D materials and core research techniques, including 2 mini-projects in a choice of labs
• Secondment opportunities to gain industry related skills or experience in research labs abroad
• Cutting-edge research where you will develop interdisciplinary skills
• An ever changing choice of experimental, theoretical and computational projects, example topics include:
  • Fundamental science of graphene and other two-dimensional materials;
  • Experimental and theoretical physics of nanodevices based on 2D materials;
  • 2D heterostructures: materials on demand;
  • Synthesis, fabrication, characterisation and modelling of 2D materials;
  • Applications of graphene and other 2D materials in:
    • Electronics
    • Photonics
    • Electrochemistry
    • Composites
    • Spintronics
    • Filtration and separation
    • Drug delivery
    • Regenerative medicine

We are looking for:

Graduates with a strong degree (first or high upper second) in science, engineering or bio-medical disciplines looking for a challenging research project in an interdisciplinary environment. 

How to apply:

Applications should be made through the University of Manchester online application form, more details/information about the application process can be found at: www.graphene-nownano.manchester.ac.uk/how-to-apply

Visit www.graphene-nownano.manchester.ac.uk for more general CDT information and email: graphene-nownano@manchester.ac.uk with any questions.