University of Southampton
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1 week ago
PhD in Surface Chemistry and Gas Reactions in Hollow-Core Optical Fibres University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Competition funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, University of Southampton Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and school studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in surface chemistry and gas reactions in hollow-core optical fibres.
This project sits at the intersection of optical physics, chemistry, materials science, and photonics. The research will investigate how trace impurities, moisture, gas diffusion, and surface reactions affect the stability, transmission, and lifetime of hollow-core fibres, where light propagates through a gas-filled core rather than solid glass. You will develop novel optical interrogation methods to detect gases such as water vapour and other reaction products along the fibre length, enabling in-situ, length-resolved mapping of chemical processes inside optical fibres.
The work is supervised by Professor Austin Taranta, Professor Natalie Wheeler, and Dr Hesameddin Mohammadi at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), University of Southampton. The ORC offers strong laboratory support, including cleanrooms, advanced optical testing systems, and gas-analysis tools. Training includes fibre optics and laser-based diagnostics, surface and gas-phase reaction analysis, and optical/thermal characterisation methods.
This is a competition-funded PhD project open to students worldwide. Funding may include fee waivers and studentships; some awards cover the difference between overseas and UK fees, while school studentships may cover UK-level tuition fees plus a living-cost stipend for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.
Eligibility: applicants should hold a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, or photonics. A strong motivation to work at the interface of optics and materials chemistry is important. An English language qualification is required if applicable.
How to apply: submit an online application for the Research programme, academic year 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and search for programme PhD ORC (7097). Add the supervisor name in section 2 and include your CV, two academic references, transcripts/certificates, and English language evidence if needed.
Contact for questions: [email protected]. For an initial conversation, contact [email protected].
Funding details
Competition funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, University of Southampton Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and school studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
What's required
Applicants must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, or photonics. The project seeks a motivated candidate interested in the interface between optics and materials chemistry. An English language qualification is required if applicable.
How to apply
Apply online via the University of Southampton PhD application portal. Choose Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, select full time or part time, search for programme PhD ORC (7097), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Include a CV, two academic references, degree transcripts and certificates, and an English language qualification if applicable.
More information can be found here
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