PhD Scholarship in Electron Beam-Induced Crystallisation

This PhD Scholarship will explore the mechanism governing electron beam induced crystallisation in liquid phase transmission electron microscopy. Recent research in the Cookman group has demonstrated that pharmaceutical crystals can form under highly undersaturated conditions during electron beam irradiation. This project will seek to understand the fundamental mechanism responsible for this phenomenon with particular focus on the radiolysis-driven influence. Solvent radiolysis will be investigated through a combination of literature review from archived resources, computational simulations, experimental irradiation, and analytical validation.
 
The successful candidate will integrate radiolysis parameters from literature into existing computational models to assess the steady state concentration of radiolysis-derived products and the impact of varying electron beam parameters. Irradiation of the solvents coupled with complimentary post-analysis will experimentally validate and refine the simulations. In addition, solubility experiments will be conducted on a relevant compound capable of crystallising in LPTEM, to assess the influence radiolysis-derived products have on its solubility.
 
The PhD student will be based in the Department of Physics and embedded in the Bernal Institute where an interdisciplinary environment encourages scientific field cross-over, necessary for the success of this project.

Essential Criteria:
1st class or 2.1 degree in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Chemical Physics/ Physics/ Nanoscience or related discipline
Demonstrable research experience
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication (English language proficiency required for non-EU applicants)
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team
Ability to work independently
 
Desirable Criteria:
Masters degree in a cognisant field
Experience with electron microscopy
Experience with analytical characterisation techniques, e.g., GC, HPLC, MS
Familiarity with liquid phase transmission electron microscopy
Proficiency in relevant programming tools, e.g., Python, MATLAB, COMSOL
Experience with computational modelling and simulations
Evidence of research outputs

Stipend: €25,000 per annum (covered for 3 years)
Fees: Full coverage of university fees for EU and non-EU