Ana Neves

University of Exeter is inviting applications for 2 PhD studentships in Computational Nanomaterials under the ERC Starting Grant kineticSHAPES: Kinetic Pathways to Control Nanocrystal Shapes . The project focuses on the non-equilibrium growth of nanocrystals and how crystal lattice effects and solution concentration fields influence morphological features such as twinning, branching, and chirality . The research is strongly computational and will involve developing and using a kinetic Monte Carlo simulation framework in C++ , with additional methods such as Python post-processing , molecular dynamics , density functional theory , and lattice Boltzmann simulations . Results will be validated through collaboration with experimentalists. The studentship is based in the Department of Engineering , Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, at the Streatham Campus in Exeter . Supervisors listed are Dr Carlos Lange Bassani and Prof. Ana Neves . Funding for eligible students includes Home/International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 4 years full-time (or pro rata for part-time study). Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemistry , or a related area. An interest in mathematics and physical sciences is essential; programming experience in C/C++ and Python is desirable. Non-native English speakers must meet the university's English language requirements. The application deadline is 31 July 2026 . Interviews will be held virtually in August 2026 . To apply, use the university's application portal, upload the required documents, and quote reference 5896 . Project-specific questions can be sent to [email protected] ; general application queries go to [email protected] .