PhD Vacancies

PhD Cluster: Materials Chemistry Approaches to Next Generation PGM Applications

The School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews and industrial partner Johnson Matthey are offering 4 studentships as part of a platinum group metals based cluster. This cluster brings together to a focused team of materials chemists seeking to deliver cutting edge materials advances centred on platinum group metals and their compounds. The team offers cutting edge facilities for structural, physical and microstructural characterisation and strong links to central facilities.

4 projects are available as follows:

(1) Palladium Based Electrodes for Hydride Electrochemistry, supervisor Professor John TS Irvine, [email protected]. Hydride conductor research has advanced significantly with important advances in electrochemistry and nitrogen activation. In this project the student will optimise the Pd electrodes in terms of structure and formulation, Electrochemical performance will be probed via impedance spectroscopy and aligned with microstructure and stability.

(2) Thermal barrier materials, supervisor Dr Jan-Willem Bos, [email protected]. This project aims to develop metal silicide thermal barrier materials and explore the impact of platinum group metals on their performance in extreme conditions. The work will combine bulk and multilayer materials exploration, stability testing and extensive characterisation to develop next generation barrier materials. Some travel is expected as part of the project work.

(3) Rhodate and Palladate Quantum Oxides, supervisor Dr Alexandra Gibbs, [email protected]. This project will develop a scalable synthesis methodology for novel quantum oxides with future spintronic potential. The work will combine exploratory synthesis with targeted growth, structural characterisation including central facilities work (e.g. at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source) and detailed physical property investigations to create an agile platform for new quantum device development.

(4) Rhodium For Green Fuel Conversions, supervisor Professor John TS Irvine, [email protected]. In this project, we seek to optimise PGM infiltration for CO2 conversions and green fuel conversions (eg biogas) as solid oxide electrodes for green fuel conversions.

We are looking for highly motivated graduates with a degree in chemistry, physics or a related discipline. Some experience in the area of materials research (broadly defined) is desirable. Full training will be provided as required.

The start date will be 27th September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

How to apply: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/

We also welcome informal enquiries from candidates interested in pursuing externally funded PhD or research opportunities aligned with our research areas.