Chemistry: Fully Funded Faculty of Science and Engineering and University of Rennes PhD Scholarship: Spin-exciton dynamics of chiral organic semiconductors (RS671)

Funding providers: Faculty of Science and Engineering and University of Rennes

Subject areas: Chemistry

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Project supervisors: 

• Dr Emrys Evans (first supervisor, Swansea Univerity) emrys.evans@swansea.ac.uk   

• Dr Ludovic Favereau (external supervisor, Unversity of Rennes) 

• Dr James Ryan (second supervisor, Swansea University) 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Chemistry (joint degreee from Swansea University and University of Rennes) 

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description: 

A 3-year joint PhD position is available in the labs of Dr Emrys Evans (Swansea University) and Dr Ludovic Favereau (University of Rennes). 

We recently developed chiral organic semiconductor platforms showing long-lived triplet formation and room temperature phosphorescence [1]. The candidate will study exciton and charge transfer of these chiral molecules coupled to stable radicals by optical and magnetic resonance spectroscopy [2]. The control of electron spins by chiral structures could enable more efficient charge recombination in organic light-emitting diodes or photovoltaics and the basis for molecular quantum technologies. The PhD will explore the spin control opportunities for chiral molecules by materials development and characterization of spin-optical properties that must be understood before any future applications can be targeted. 

The joint PhD will be awarded from Swansea University and University of Rennes. It provides an exciting opportunity for interdiscplinary research enabled by collaboration that combines expertise in materials, photophysics, spin and devices. 

This studentship will also be part of a new Doctoral Training Initiative called UK Semiconductor Industry Future Skills (UK-SIFS) at Swansea University. UK-SIFS will provide valuable and highly practical skills of substantial relevance to the UK semiconductor industry such as formal cleanroom fabrication training, characterization of semiconductors and technology translation in the sector. 

[1] Favereau et al, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2020, 11(15), 6426-6434 

[2] Gorgon et al, Nature 2023, 620, 538-544 

A Masters degree to meet entry requirements for University of Rennes in this joint PhD programme.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.  

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Chemistry/ PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October 

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024 
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS671 - Organic Semiconductors'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via e-mail). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised application closing date. Please note that your application may not be considered without the documents listed:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional) 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr Emrys Evans emrys.evans@swansea.ac.uk.

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.