The School has studentships available to conduct research leading to a PhD, normally to start in October of the next academic year. Applicants should have, or expect shortly to have, a good undergraduate degree in Physics or a related discipline.

Several studentships are available through the EPSRC's Doctoral Training Account scheme (formerly quota studentships), to work in any of our research groups:

In addition, there are at present studentships available for the following specific projects:

For further information and details of how to apply, refer to our Postgraduate Admissions page.

Microwave studies of novel microstructured metallic devices

The requirements for electromagnetic radiation to be absorbed, filtered, reflected, focused and channelled are becoming ever-more common in everyday devices, and the control of its passage is of vital importance to engineers working with communication and radar technologies. However the application of many existing technologies in the commercial environment is limited by their cumbersome dimensions. While metals at microwave frequencies behave as near-perfect reflectors, finely-structured metal surfaces, if correctly formed, can illustrate quite different behaviour. Designing these structures using computational modelling techniques, and undertaking experiments at microwave frequencies allows for the manufacture of finely-structured samples that can not so easily be formed for use in the visible or infra-red regime.

Applicants require a good degree (equivalent to a first class or upper second class degree from a British university) in physics, and would be expected to start in October 2004. The project is funded by the EPSRC, and the successful candidate will work closely with other students and staff in the Electromagnetic Materials research group.

Applications, comprising a letter and CV, should be sent to Dr Alastair Hibbins(a.p.hibbins@ex.ac.uk).

Arsenic Doped GaN - Quantum Dots and High Electron Mobility Transitors

This EPSRC funded Project Studentship involves the experimental study of the transport and optical properties of GaN-based semiconductor nanostructures. It includes investigating experimentally whether lasing in such devices originates from self-organised quantum dots.

Applicants require a good degree (equivalent to a first class or upper second class degree from a British university) in the physical or material sciences. The studentship can start anytime up to 1 July 2004 and lasts for 3 years. The EPSRC stipend is currently £9000 pa. tax free. EU fees are included.

Applicants should contact Dr Annette Plaut by email (A.S.Plaut@ex.ac.uk) with a short CV in plain text. Further information about the research group can be found at http://newton.ex.ac.uk/research/qsystems.html#lowdimn.

Transfer doping in diamond (EPSRC funded)

The increasing use of diamond as an electronic material has intensified searches for impurities and defects which lead to n- and p-type dopants. It has recently been found that some adsorbates lead to a high surface conductivity and this has generated debate about the likely mechanism. This EPSRC supported research is aimed at understanding and optimising this remarkably low surface resistivity. The student will join a diamond research network funded by the EPSRC.

There will be opportunities for travel to other institutions both within the UK and abroad. Suitable applicants will be graduates, and those expected to graduate in Physics, or a related discipline.

The group has access to the largest National supercomputers, located at Manchester, and currently ranked 23 in the Top 500  machines world-wide. In addition, the group has recently acquired a 64 processor IBM SP supercomputer with a 51 Gflop peak making it one of the fastest machines available at UK academic sites. Further information about the group is found at: http://newton.ex.ac.uk/research/theory/jones/.

Applicants are requested to e-mail Professor R. Jones, r.jones@exeter.ac.uk from whom further details are available.

Rare earth doped nitrides for electroluminescent emitters

Recent investigations of light emission from rare earth (RE) doped GaN layers demonstrate the exciting possibility of employing such materials in electroluminescent devices ranging from the near ultraviolet (250 nm) to the near infrared (over 1.5 mm). Gaining the necessary understanding and control of the properties of the novel RE-doped nitrides presents an important scientific challenge. The student will join an EU funded network of experienced European academic research groups and industrial centres with the facilities necessary for producing state-of-the art GaN material, by both of theleading epitaxial technologies, and for introducing RE ions by a variety of means (including in-situ doping and ex-situ ion implantation). In addition it includes provision, for the first time, of a significant theoretical effort in close collaboration with the experimentalists.

The student employed at Exeter will carry out modelling calculations to support the experimental teams involved. These involve teams at Strathclyde, U.K, Montpellier, Caen, Leuven, Paderborn, Sacavem and Exeter. Grant rates are related to the Marie Curie European scholarship and conditions appropriate for Research Training Networks in Framework V.

There will be opportunities for travel to other institutions both within the UK and abroad. Suitable applicants will be graduates, and those expected to graduate in Physics, or a related discipline.

The group has access to the largest National supercomputers, located at Manchester, and currently ranked 23 in the Top 500  machines world-wide. In addition, the group has recently acquired a 64 processor IBM SP supercomputer with a 51 Gflop peak making it one of the fastest machines available at UK academic sites. Further information about the group is found at: http://newton.ex.ac.uk/research/theory/jones/.

Applicants are requested to e-mail Professor R. Jones, r.jones@exeter.ac.uk from whom further details are available.

Biophysics of the Synovial Joint

Two studentships are available for research relevant to the alleviation of joint disease in horses. One project concerns the exchange of nutrients and metabolites between microcirculation and cartilage and the influence of mechanical factors. One project concerns the structure and functions of the microcirculation of the hoof.

Both projects will involve the development and application of novel biophysical methods and might therefore appeal to students with a background in physical science. However, students having or expecting to obtain a II:i or above in biological sciences are encouraged to apply.

The stipend will be £11,500 pa for three years. Fees will be paid for home students and each project will be supported by a research budget of up to £5,000 pa.

Applications, comprising a letter and CV, should be sent to:
Professor Peter Winlove
Email: C.P.Winlove@exeter.ac.uk
Tel: 01392 264140
Fax: 01392 264111

Research Studentships in Cellular or Extracellular Matrix Biophysics

Studentships are available in the Biomedical Physics group on the following projects:

The projects will involve collaborations with Professors Tooke and Shore of the Department of Vascular Biology, Professor Evans and Dr Smith of the School of Engineering and various groups in the UK and abroad.

Students with a background in physical or quantitative biological sciences are invited to contact:
 
Professor Peter Winlove
Email: C.P.Winlove@exeter.ac.uk
Tel: 01392 264140