Ultrafast dynamics of dissociative ionisation

Starting date: October 2025                                     

About the project

We are recruiting applicants for a fully funded PhD studentship in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham to work under the supervision of Dr Patrick Robertson. The project will develop new instrumentation to study the ionisation of molecules in the gas phase. Ionised molecules play a fundamental role of the chemistry of many environments such as plasmas, the Earth’s upper atmosphere and the interstellar medium. How a molecule responds to its new electronic configuration ultimately dictates its chemistry. We are interested in understanding the ultrafast electronic and nuclear dynamics correlate to product formation, and how we can exploit this knowledge to develop new strategies to activate inert chemical bonds and potentially control their chemistry. This research will build upon our prior experience(s) in electron-molecule collision dynamics, photo-ionisation and the chemistry of molecules in strong electric fields (www.nurd.org.uk/publications).

The successful candidate will develop a Cold Target Recoil Ion Momentum Spectrometer (COLTRIMS) and perform first key experiments on simple hydrocarbons and perfluorocarbons. They will also be involved in collaborative research at international research facilities, such as x-ray free electron lasers, synchrotrons and the Central Laser Facility.

The candidate will gain direct experience with the use of femtosecond pulsed lasers and optics, high vacuum apparatus and instrumentation, charged particle manipulation and detection systems, signal processing and scientific programming, quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations and computer-aided design, as well as training in more general training in scientific communication, project management, collaborative working, and mentoring and leadership. All these skills are widely transferrable and highly sought after in a range of industry, as well as academic career pathways.

About you

We are looking for someone with a background in chemistry, physics, engineering or a related subject who likes to know the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the world around them. Some practical experience with high vacuum systems, lasers and optics, or scientific programming would be a great, but is by no means essential. Developing scientific instrumentation is a multi-faceted and rewarding process for people who enjoy hands-on lab work, but who also appreciate variety in their day-to-day research experience.

If this sounds appealing to you, then please email patrick.robertson@nottingham.ac.uk and introduce yourself. From there, we’d be happy to discuss the finer details, potential fit, or answer whatever other queries you might have.