University of Bristol
About the Project
Heavy element compounds as wide-bandgap semiconductors
A world-class environment for your research degree
The School of Physics is offering a portfolio of PhD Scholarships across all its world-class research groups. These prestigious Scholarships represent a great opportunity to start your Postgraduate Research Career working with world-class academics in a supportive training and development environment. Physics at Bristol was ranked 5th for Research in the 2022 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, and the University of Bristol is truly world-leading: 55th in the QS World University Ranking (2024) and 81st in the Times Higher Ranking (2024).
What does a Scholarship cover?
For home students, the scholarships will cover living expenses (UKRI rate), University tuition fees (see PhD Physics Study at Bristol University of Bristol), and training and support expenses. We also welcome applications from outstanding international candidates: we are able to offer a very small number of fully-funded places, but also accept students who can provide full or partial funding from other sources. If you need an offer letter to apply for a competitive scholarship, please get in contact with us well before any deadlines.
Research Project
Wide- and ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors form the basis of efficient high voltage devices such as transistors and diodes that are needed to reduce energy waste in next generation power electronic applications such as electric vehicles, smart power grids and renewable energy generation. The University of Bristol, and the particularly the CDTR (centre for device thermography) research group, lead the world on the investigation of materials for such devices, based on gallium nitride and gallium oxide.
This PhD project seeks to explore more exotic materials. The Interface Analysis Centre (IAC) research group has built up more than two decades of knowledge on the fabrication of thin films, based on uranium and thorium (FaRMS, Facility for Radioactive Materials Surfaces – nnuf-farms.bristol.ac.uk/). Thorium dioxide is an ultrawide bandgap material, but we predict that it will be possible to engineer and tune the bandgap by making a thorium and uranium mixed oxide system. This project joins the skills and expertise of the thin films team across the materials and devices and quantum and soft matter themes, and the CDTR to investigate a brand-new candidate system for wide bandgap semiconductor physics.
Dr Chris Bell – Associate professor will join the supervisory team; he has decades of experience in transport measurements and semiconductor physics and is a key part of the FaRMS facility. Dr Lottie Harding – senior PDRA, leading the research on the Sellafield Centre for Expertise on uranium and reactive metals will support the PhD. She has a wealth of research experience and has been an MSc and PhD student at Bristol, so can offer a lot in the way of pastoral support.
The Bristol Physics Graduate Research Community
If successful, you will become a member of the Physics Graduate School, a vibrant and diverse community of 200-plus research students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. The Graduate School:
· runs a comprehensive induction programme to get you off to the best possible start in your research, and a rolling programme of targeted skills training on writing, presenting, project-planning, etc.
· operates a “one-stop shop” approach to help you navigate through the University procedures
· organises meetings for postgraduate opportunities, and support in transitioning to post-PhD careers
· connects you to the wider University, including the Bristol Doctoral College, www.bristol.ac.uk/doctoral-college/.
How do I apply?
You will need (1) a CV, (2) a Personal Statement, which is a one- to two-page document introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for PhD research, and (3) a transcript of any qualifying degrees (completed and/or underway).
Please note that a research statement is not a requirement from the School of Physics, however as it is a system requirement you are encouraged to specify a research theme and a list of your preferred academic supervisors.
Please contact the academics within the School of Physics research areas for information.
Applicants will be assessed on merit, and interviews will be held for shortlisted applicants.
You need to apply through the University of Bristol application system at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/. Please select Physics PhD or Physics MSc by Research on the Programme Choice page. The School of Physics supports Diversity and Equality, and we invite all eligible candidates to apply. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. We hold a Bronze Athena Swan award and a Physics Juno Champion award.
Please specify “Bristol Physics Research Scholarships” on the application form as your source of potential funding. Early application is encouraged. The closing date for applications to this call is 15 January 2025.
What are the candidate requirements?
A first degree in physics or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master’s qualification. Please see Applying from your country International students University of Bristol on the International Office website.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to meet English Language Profile F. Further information about this can be found here: English language requirements Study at Bristol University of Bristol
Admissions Statement: https://bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2023/phd-physics.pdf
Contacts and further information
Please contact the Bristol Physics Graduate School at: [email protected]
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email – cover/motivation letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.