We can offer the following PhD projects to commence in October 2011 or earlier:

- Molecular spintronics
Spintronics represents a new direction for electronics as it exploits the spin of the electron as well as the more familiar electron charge. Molecular spintronics uses organic molecules because they promise numerous practical advantages, including the fact that spin-coherence can be preserved temporally and spatially much longer than in conventional metals and semiconductors. Spin transport through molecules also involves extremely interesting physics. This project aims to study the simplest possible molecular spintronic device, a spin-valve consisting of one or more molecules linking two magnetic materials. It will mean preparing self-assembled organic monolayers on metal or semiconductor substrates and then studying them using a scanning tunnelling microscope specially modified for single-molecule spintronic investigations.

- Protein surface physics
Proteins are essential for life, and there are many situations in which it is crucial to understand how they interact with solid surfaces. In some cases adsorption is desired, in others, such as bio-fouling it certainly isn’t. We study the adsorption of model globular proteins, especially ferritin, on conducting surfaces to which a potential is applied, in order to clarify the role of electrostatic interactions. The aim of this project will be to control protein adsorption electrostatically and develop new physical probes of the process including microcalorimetry and ellipsometry. These will be combined with techniques with which we already have considerable experience, especially quartz crystal microgravitometry and atomic force microscopy.

We welcome applications from high-calibre candidates who either qualify (by nationality/place of residence) for a UK Research Council studentship or who can bring their own funding. If you can bring your funding and are interested in a 1-year MSc by research, please also contact us.