Open Positions

 

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

There are currently no funded positions available in the group. We are always interested in hearing from appropriately qualified people who have their own funding. However, we are expecting to have a fully funded opening later this year (end of summer). Feel free to contact us here.

 

PhD Studentships

[March 2025]

Fully funded PhD studentship

School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews
Research Area: Chemical Physics, Scanning Probe Microscopy,  Fullerenes
Supervisor: Dr Renald Schaub (University of St Andrews), Prof Eleanor Campbell (University of Edinburgh)
Start Date: September / October 2025 (or sooner if required)

Applications are invited for a talented and motivated PhD candidate to join our team at the University of St Andrews (Scotland, UK) working towards the understanding and development of multi-position molecular switches based on individual endohedral fullerene molecules and building on recent results with Li@C60 [1]. The project will involve a combination of experimental work (carried out by the PhD candidate) and theoretical calculations (by collaborators) to determine the conductance and switching mechanism within the endohedral molecules. The theoretical component of the project will be carried out by collaborators outwith the UK. The research is motivated by recent experimental studies in Edinburgh and St Andrews that have demonstrated a multi-way switch using Li@C60 deposited on a metal substrate. The position of the Li inside the fullerene cage can be manipulated by applying a voltage from an STM tip in a novel mechanism that is thought to be connected to the excitation of diffuse Rydberg-like molecular orbitals. As many as 14 different switch positions have been identified within a single molecule [1], far more than for conventional molecular switches. An increased understanding of the mechanism and further studies on the optimisation and control of the switching phenomenon in endohedral fullerenes could lead to the development of a highly promising nanoelectronics component. A suitable candidate will possess a first class or upper-second class undergraduate degree (Masters or equivalent) in chemistry, physics or materials science. A strong interest in advanced experimental techniques involving low temperature STM is essential. Other essential attributes are good presentation and communication skills, both written and oral.

  • The PhD studentship is fully funded (UK and international students welcome).
  • Supervisors: Dr Renald Schaub, School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews. Prof Eleanor Campbell, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh
  • Contact: [email protected]
  • Web: https://schaubgroup.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/
  • Masters degree, first class or upper-second class (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics or materials science.
  • Start date: September or October 2025 (or sooner)
  • IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum score of 6.0 in every section.

[1] H.J. Chandler, M. Stefanou, E.E.B. Campbell, R. Schaub, “Li@C60 as a multi-state molecular switch”, Nature Comm. 10 (2019) 2283.

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