PhD Studentship - Development, Characterisation and Application of a Novel Resonant Ionisation Mass Spectrometry Instrument

Research theme: Analytical Chemistry, Laser Physics, Materials Characterisation

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Outline: Fabrication of advanced materials/devices relies on precisely defined chemistry, underpinned by measurement of atomic and isotopic composition/distribution with extreme precision e.g. isotopic implants in Quantum Technologies. Investigation of failure mechanisms improve performance or lifetime e.g. environmental contamination of solar cells. Analytical Science is a priority area supporting UK Industrial Strategy. The project will develop and characterise a novel instrument based on laser ionisation mass spectrometry and demonstrate its application to important materials/life science challenges.

Objectives:

• Couple a tunable Ti:sapphire laser to a high-resolution imaging mass spectrometer.
• Calibrate sensitivity, quantification and spatial resolution using model samples/standards.
• Develop and validate and resonant laser ionisation pathways for selected elements/isotopes in photonic devices, energy-storage materials and metallodrugs.

Methodology: The student will couple a recently acquired secondary ion mass spectrometer instrument to a new Ti:S laser for isotopically-selective resonant ionisation mass spectrometry (RIMS) of sputtered atoms resulting from focused ion beam irradiation. A second ion beam is available for rapid ion-milling of the sample to obtain 3D imaging. Novel data workflows will be developed to allow parallel multi-element measurements. The project is interdisciplinary, combining instrument development, analytical chemistry, laser physics and materials science.

Expected Outcomes: The project will deliver a unique instrument, extending capabilities for materials characterisation in 2D and 3D. The instrument will enhance collaborative research at the Chemistry/Materials interface.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor; Prof Nick Lockyer - nick.lockyer@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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