英国约克大学化学系正在招募博士生

1. 学校简介：

约克大学是一所位于英国英格兰约克的研究型公立大学，在全英国教学质量评估中，23个系中的20个被评为优秀。与剑桥并列取得最高分。约克大学的优势专业主要有：计算机，教育，心理学，英语教育，音乐，建筑学等。2026年QS排名位于169位。

 

2. 项目简介

该博士项目将建立在约克已经完成的工作基础上，开发一种时间分辨电子衍射装置，用于研究在光化学和光物理过程中产生的物质的结构，实现亚皮秒时间分辨率。该博士项目的重点是研究合适的光活性化合物的气相和晶体结构，其中许多化合物可用作分子开关。该项目将涉及时间平均结构测，以及使用时间分辨电子衍射来了解激光诱导激发时的结构变化，从而导致键断裂过程和构象重排。

 

3. 招生详情：

学位类型：博士

研究方向：

进一步开发进行电子衍射实验所需的样品处理和检测系统。

与合成合作者合作，确保相关光活性化合物的供应，包括 MnMe（CO）₅]和取代的偶氮苯化合物。

收集和分析数据，包括调整现有代码以进行改进，以及执行量子化学计算以支持实验工作。

与 Daresbury 实验室的 PI 和合作者合作，影响相对超快电子衍射和成像 （RUEDI） 设施的设计。

计划开始时间：2026 年 9 月 21 日

申请截至日期：2026 年 1 月 6 日

薪酬福利：

可以申请奖学金，包括学费、按英国研究学院标准（2025/26 学年为 20,780 英镑）计算的免税津贴、消耗品/培训/分析设施资金。

 

4. 申请要求：包含所需学术背景、语言要求、申请材料要求

学术背景：持有或期望获得至少相当于英国化学或相关相关学科的二等以上学位。

语言要求：雅思：6.0（5.5）、PTE：55（51）

托福：79 分，听力不低于 17 分，阅读不低于 18 分，口语不低于 20 分，写作不低于 17 分

申请材料：简历、个人陈述、以及两名推荐人的姓名和电子邮件

 

5. 如何申请&更多信息：包含官方申请链接、项目官网、联系邮箱、导师/实验室简介

申请链接：https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/phd-mphil/

申请奖学金：https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/funding/chemistry-studentships/

联系邮箱：chemistry@york.ac.uk

 

  Making molecular movies: studies in time-resolved electron diffraction

University of York Department of Chemistry  

Dr D A Wann  Tuesday, January 06, 2026 Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

YorkUnited KingdomChemical PhysicsPhysical ChemistryStructural Chemistry

About the Project

Background: This PhD project will build on work already done in York to develop a time-resolved electron diffraction apparatus. Time-resolved electron diffraction, used to study the structures of species created in photochemical and photophysical processes, is capable of sub-picosecond time resolution. The focus of this PhD project will be to study both gas-phase and crystalline structures of suitable photoactive compounds, many of which have uses as molecular switches. The project will involve both time-averaged structure determination (we have an apparatus in York that can perform such work), and also using time-resolved electron diffraction to understand structural changes upon laser-induced excitation leading to bond-breaking processes and conformational rearrangements.

Objectives: The objectives of this project will include:

1. Further develop the sample handling and detection systems needed to perform electron diffraction experiments.
2. Work with synthetic collaborators to ensure a supply of relevant photoactive compound, including MnMe(CO) ₅] and substituted azo-benzene compounds.
3. Collect and analyse data, including adapting existing codes to enable refinements to be carried out, and performing quantum chemical calculations in support of the experimental work.
4. Work with the PI and collaborators at Daresbury laboratory to influence the design of the Relative Ultrafast Electron Diffraction and Imaging (RUEDI) facility.

Experimental Approach: This project will make use the time-averaged electron diffraction apparatus in York, which is composed of a continuous electron beam (42 keV) produced from a tungsten filament. Following diffraction of this electron beam through a gaseous sample, diffraction patterns are collected on image plates, before being scanned and analysed computationally to interpret the molecular structure of any sample. These initial experiments will give insight into the conditions required for collecting data in the gas phase, as well as yielding the ground-state structures.

Samples will then be studied using the time-resolved apparatus in York, where a pulsed beam of electrons (100 keV) is generated from the interaction of a 266 nm laser beam with a gold photocathode. A different branch of the same laser will be used to photoexcite samples leading to electronic excitation and ultimately bond-breaking and rearrangement processes. Diffraction patterns in this experiment are recorded using a phosphor-screen/CCD camera set-up, and time resolution down to 1 ps can be achieved using this apparatus.

Quantum chemical calculations will yield important information that will guide the experimental design and data analysis. These will be performed on the University of York’s Viking 2 supercomputer.

Opportunities to use central facilities both in the UK, and in Europe and the US will be taken should we have samples for which additional time resolution, down to 200 fs, will be required. Such experiments require MeV electron beams where relativistic effects are negligible. This project will benefit the UK’s RUEDI facility that is being developed at Daresbury laboratory, through becoming part of the wider community ecosystem.

Novelty: While electron diffraction has been known for the best part of 100 years, time-resolved experiments, especially for chemically-interesting samples are very much in their infancy. The development of a relativistic source of electrons at Daresbury makes this a perfect time to start work in the field of time-resolved electron diffraction.

Scientific Training: The student will be trained in a variety of experimental methods, including electron diffraction, laser use, and general pump-probe methodologies. Training in the use of software packages will also be provided.

What makes a suitable candidate? Physical chemistry projects often involve a lot of work to overcome technical issues. This position will suit someone with well-honed problem-solving skills and someone capable of persisting when set-backs occur. Creativity can help when designing new pieces of apparatus.

You will follow our core cohort-based training programme to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills, as well as training on specific techniques and equipment. Training includes employability and professionalism, preparing posters, graduate teaching assistant training and guidance on writing papers.

https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/training-and-careers/  

There will be opportunities for networking and sharing your work both within and beyond the University. Funding is provided to enable you to attend conferences and external training. The department also runs a varied and comprehensive seminar programme.

Equality and Diversity

The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students.  The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/  

As part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity, and Widening Participation, we are working with the YCEDE project (https://ycede.ac.uk/) to improve the number of under-represented groups participating in doctoral study.  All Home applicants with eligible qualifications who self-identify as being a member of a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group will be invited to an interview for their chosen project(s). When the department acknowledges your application, you will have an opportunity to declare this information if you wish. More information about the YCEDE project can be provided by Professor Avtar Matharu avtar.matharu@yorkac.uk 

Entry requirements 

You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a relevant related subject.   Check the entry requirements for your country: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/

English language requirements: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/international/english/ 

For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email them. 

For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution.

Guidance for applicants: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/funding/chemistry-studentships/ 

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3

The start date of the PhD will be 21 September 2026

Funding Notes

Funding will come from the Department of Chemistry, the EPSRC or the Chemistry Wild Fund.

Studentships include i) tuition fees, ii) tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26)  iii) funding for consumables/training/analytical facilities.

Either 3 or 3.5 year duration, depending on the funder.

Home rate fee payers are eligible for EPSRC and Department of Chemistry funding.

International rate fee payers are eligible for EPSRC funding and Chemistry Wild Fund.

Offers will state funding source and duration. Not all projects will be funded.

Fee status information: View Website  

Please note funding does not include visa costs or NHS surcharge for visa holders.

References

Candidate selection process:
You should hold or expect to receive at least an upper second class degree in chemistry or a relevant related subject
Applicants should submit a PhD application to the University of York by midnight on Tuesday 6 January 2026.
Supervisors may contact candidates to arrange further discussion.
Supervisors can nominate up to 2 candidates to be interviewed for the project
The interview panel will shortlist candidates for interview from all those nominated
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview between 9-11 February 2026.
The awarding committee will allocate studentships following the panel interviews
Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the panel’s decision by email, including the funding source and duration.