PhD Studentship: DPhil in Theoretical Chemistry – Quantum Tomography of Electronic States University of Oxford in United Kingdom

[Full course fees at Home rate and a stipend of at least £20,780 per annum for 3.5 years, funded at the UK Research Council rate.]

This fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentship at the University of Oxford offers an exciting opportunity to work on the quantum tomography of electronic states under the supervision of Professor Adam Kirrander in the Department of Chemistry. The project, starting in October 2026, is based in the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory (PTCL) and focuses on developing new theoretical and computational methods to achieve a more complete understanding of electron wavefunctions in atoms and molecules.

The Kirrander group specializes in exploring sophisticated light-matter interactions through theory and simulations, aiming to measure and understand quantum dynamics. This studentship will investigate how quantum tomography—using multiple and novel types of measurements—can advance our knowledge of electronic structure and ultrafast imaging. The research combines quantum mechanics, information theory, and state-of-the-art experimental concepts, with the goal of challenging and improving current electronic structure theory. The tools and methods developed will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between nuclear and electronic motions in photoexcited dynamics, ultimately enabling the engineering of new molecules for applications such as energy harvesting and photocatalysis.

The studentship covers full course fees at the Home rate and provides a stipend of at least £20,780 per annum for 3.5 years, funded at the UK Research Council rate. The group is highly collaborative, working closely with partners in the UK and internationally, and is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Further information about the research group can be found on the group web page and Professor Kirrander's staff page.

Applicants should hold a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline such as Mathematics or Computer Science. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to research, the ability to learn new skills independently, and a collaborative, positive attitude. Willingness to work across disciplinary boundaries and between theory and experiment is highly valued. Eligibility criteria as set by UKRI apply; see UKRI eligibility for details.

To apply, submit a formal application for the DPhil in Chemistry via the Oxford online application system and quote 'AK/Chem/2026' under ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’. The application deadline is 12.00 noon UK time on Thursday, 8 January 2026. For further information, contact Professor Adam Kirrander at [email protected] or the admissions team at [email protected].

The Department of Chemistry at Oxford holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive research environment.