EPSRC fully funded 3.5 year studentship starting January/April 2025Project Summary Probing the microwave-specific heating controversy with nanoscale solid state thermometersPerform impactful research at the interface of quantum physics, engineering, and chemistry in a supportive research team based in modern, well-equipped laboratories as a fully funded PhD starting January or April 2025.Recent advances in microwave driven chemistry have enabled production of clean hydrogen fuel and manufacture of new battery materials. Microwaves promote higher reaction rates than conventional heating, enabling chemical reactions to occur at temperatures many hundreds of degrees lower. This has led to controversy in the scientific community over the causes of these apparent low-temperature results. The existence of ‘microwave-specific’ or ‘non-thermal’ effects have been suggested, which has stoked extensive debate in high-profile scientific journals[1]. The currently favoured hypothesis is microwaves cause high-temperature nanoscale regions within samples, with average bulk observed temperatures appearing much lower, but no-one has been able to prove this.Fluorescent quantum emitters in solid state materials such as diamond have shown themselves to be highly sensitive to the temperature of their local environment. Changes in temperature cause shifts in the emitters’ transition energies, which can be monitored as an optical signal. The ability to isolate such emitters in nanocrystals as small as a cold virus allows access to a truly nanoscale thermometer.In this project you will apply cutting edge quantum sensing techniques using emitters hosted in nanocrystals to directly probe localised heat gradients in microwave driven reactions such as the production of clean hydrogen fuel from waste plastics. This project will resolve questions which are key to unlocking novel sources of clean hydrogen fuel – an essential pillar of a net zero economy. You also gain skills in experimental quantum sensing, microwave driven chemistry and microwave design – all key future technology areas. Building on recent work in Cardiff into quantum emitter sensing[2], and microwave driven chemistry[3], you will perform experiments in a purpose-built lab in the Translational Research Hub (TRH). During the studentship, you will perform novel work at the interface between quantum physics, engineering, and chemistry – developing methods to probe the complex thermal dynamics of microwave-driven chemistry. You will generate multiple high-quality peer reviewed journal publications and excellent research thesis. You will attend national and international conferences to promote your work and will have the chance to visit collaborators in the UK (Oxford), Europe (Ulm, Milan) and further afield, forming the foundation needed for a successful research career.You will develop excellent experimental and analysis skills, including specialist knowledge of experimental quantum optics, experimental control, optical modelling using Lumerical, microwave simulation using Comsol, cleanroom lithography and fabrication techniques. You will also develop transferable skills in scientific writing, presentation and entrepreneurship. These skills are highly sought after not only in research environments, but by employers in high-tech,  semiconductor, quantum technology, and other industries enabling careers outside of academia. This project would be suitable for candidates with a degree in Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry. We encourage applications from backgrounds under-represented in technology and STEMM.Research EnvironmentAs part of the Quantum(https://qlabcardiff.co.uk/), and Centre for High Frequency Electronics (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/explore/research-units/centre-for-high-frequency-engineering/) groups you will have access to fully equipped labs, and the Institute for Compound Semiconductors cleanroom located in the new Translational Research Hub at the heart of £300m campus upgrade. You will have a desk in an interdisciplinary research office with other Post-docs/PhD students. Regular group meetings and seminars will enable integration within the research culture of the university. References[1] King, “Microwave quarrel heats up”, Chemistry World, 2013 (https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/microwave-quarrel-heats-up/6398.article)[2] Hoese, et al. Phys. Rev. Applied 15,054059(2021).[3] Jie, et al. Nature Catalysis 3,902–912 (2020). Academic Criteria Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry or a related subject.  Desirable skills:-         Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.-         Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. -         Practical experimental experience in optics, microwave engineering and/or chemistry.-         Expertise in optical and/or microwave modelling, simulation and programming for experimental control.-         Knowledge of quantum physics and/or high frequency electronics.-         Background knowledge of the scientific literature in quantum emitter sensing and/or microwave chemistry.-         Good technical writing ability.Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) Contact for further information Please contact Dr John Hadden ([email protected])  to informally discuss this opportunity How to applyApplicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University  webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) In addition to the standard application form, applicants should also:·      Attach a CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website. ·      Ensure your personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer) provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition? 2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)3. Why do you think this project is important?”Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date January / April 2025.In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select "I will be applying for a scholarship / grant" and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference JH EPSRC 25 Deadline for applications 14th October 2024. We may however close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.