Subject areas:
Chemistry.
Engineering.
Physics.
Funding type:
Tuition fee.
Stipend.
Research Training & Support Grant.
This project will use data-driven computational tools to design and characterise optimised mixed conductors for bioelectronics.
Award details
The research group of Dr Micaela Matta is seeking to appoint a highly motivated PhD candidate for a project aligned to the EPSRC grant “Data-driven design of organic mixed conductors”.
Organic bioelectronic devices promise revolutionary medical treatments for chronic pain or spinal cord injury. They exploit novel “mixed” conducting materials able to transport both electrons and ions, bridging the signalling gap between biology and electronics. Despite their potential, only a handful of suitable mixed conductors have been identified, and the lack of general structure-property relationships is a bottleneck for new material development.
This project will use data-driven computational tools to design and characterise optimised mixed conductors for bioelectronics. The PhD candidate will collaborate closely with experimental partners working on synthesis/characterisation of organic mixed conductors, integrating their insight in computational models. The project will result in new optimised materials and workflows and fundamental design rules for mixed conductors. The knowledge developed throughout this project will translate to applications such as energy storage, neuromorphic computing or drug delivery.
Award value
Tuition fees: Covered by the studentship
Stipend: Tax-free stipend set at the standard UKRI rate, currently £21,237 per annum (including London Weighting Allowance)
Bench Fees/RTSG: Research Training Support Grant allowance of approximately £4,500 per year for wet lab research
Eligibility criteria
Candidates should hold a degree in a relevant field (physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science). Good communication skills in English are essential, and you should have experience in writing and presenting scientific reports. Curiosity, self-motivation and good attitude towards team work are equally important.
The project has a strong emphasis on software development. Familiarity with Python or other programming languages is strongly preferred. Prior experience with either machine learning/neural network models, molecular dynamics simulations or density functional theory calculations is desirable.
Application process
To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available at Department of Chemistry Postgraduate webpage.
Please apply for Chemistry Research MPhil/PhD and indicate Dr Micaela Matta as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.
Please ensure to add the following code EPSRCNIMatta in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.
Contact Details
If you require support with the application process please contact chemistry-pgr@kcl.ac.uk.