PhD project in AI directed materials discovery and atomistic modelling
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project focuses on developing chalcogenide glass materials using group VI elements such as sulfur (S), selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te), for advanced optical, photonic, and electronic applications.
We create these using the unique processes developed at the Novel and Compound Glass facilities within the Zepler cleanrooms. The properties of these amorphous semiconductor materials ensure a very wide transparency range, spanning from the visible to the far infrared, thus giving rise to numerous potential industrial applications.
However, the synthesis of these materials is often complex and capital intensive, as they are typically combined with rare and expensive elements including Germanium (Ge) , Antimony (Sb) or Gallium (Ga). Therefore, in parallel with experimental activities, modelling and simulations will form a significant aspect of your research by developing cutting edge knowledge and expertise with the burgeoning range of AI tools available for materials discovery at the atomistic level to use earth abundant elements and thus develop the next generation of advanced materials with extraordinary properties.
Research involves both experimental fabrication in Zepler cleanrooms and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) driven simulations to design materials using earth-abundant elements. You will develop highly transferable skills in cleanroom sample fabrication  and electronic and photonic device characterisation, materials processing, numerical simulations and machine learning with input from industry partners and working with leading academic experts.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physics
- materials science
- engineering
Programming is an essential skill.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (minimum of £19,237 in 2024-25) for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Optoelectronics (ORC)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email:Â feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Pier-John Sazio (P.A.Sazio@soton.ac.uk).
