PhD and postgraduate research opportunities  

Several PhD projects are offered in the field of theoretical atomic-scale simulation of solids and liquids. Some are related to problems posed by nature, meaning the earth sciences in a wide sense, including biological, atmospheric, planetary, cometary and space matter, and other projects concern the physics and chemistry of materials in general.

Simulations are based on first-principles, addressing solids and liquids as matter composed of electrons and nuclei (and thus based on quantum mechanics, using linear-scaling density-functional theory). Theoretical and methodological developments in the line of theoretical physics or chemistry will be an important component in some of the projects. Many of the projects are co-supervised by other staff members of the department or other departments in the university. Many of the projects link with larger projects of the supervisors with other (mostly international) collaborators, with whom interaction would be expected.

Research projects

More information on the projects listed can be obtained from Emilio Artacho. Alternatives suggested by applicants will be considered as well.The list of projects proposed to start in October 2010:

• Ferroelastic - order/disorder coupling in solids (EA & Michael Carpenter)
• Predicting equilibrium isotope partitioning (EA & Albert Galy)
• Phase transitions in ices (MTD & EA)
• Metal-organic framework structures: the physics of new materials (MTD, EA, & Anthony Cheetham)
• Metal-organic framework structures: new materials for CO2 storage (MTD, EA, & Anthony Cheetham)
• Kinetics of atmospheric cloud droplet formation (EA & MTD)
• Wet systems: Simulations of the water/solid interface and nano-confined water (EA & MTD)
• Quantum-mechanical simulation methodology for complex solids and liquids (EA)
• Ab initio calculations for ferroelectric nanostructures (EA & Jim Scott)
• Rock and mineral magnetism: From solid-state physics to paleoclimate (EA & Richard Harrison)
• First-principles simulations of gas hydrates and cometary ices (EA)
• First-principles simulations of molecular processes around CO2 sequestration (EA & Mike J Bickle)
• First-principles simulations for seismic wave attenuation in the Earth's inner core (EA)

Applying

The applications are processed in the department, and instructions can be found here. Applications are normally expected at the end of the year for starting in October of the following year. The specific application and interview dates are found here.

General information about graduate studies in Cambridge (funding, costs, colleges etc.) can be found in the Graduate Studies Prospectus.