DPhil Studentship in Plasma Chemistry: ECLIPSE - Engineering Control of Electronegativity in Hydrogen Plasmas through Surface and Magnetic-Field Design

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend at UK Research Council rate

Job summary

University of Oxford invites applications for a DPhil studentship in Plasma Chemistry, starting 1 October 2027. The project investigates hydrogen plasmas and negative-ion sources, combining measurements, computer modelling and experiments under Professor Grant Ritchie.

It is a collaboration with ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and the successful candidate will work at Oxford and ISIS. Applicants with a first-class degree in Chemistry or Physics and a strong research commitment are encouraged to

Qualifications

• Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to research.
• Ability to learn new skills independently.
• Based in the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory (PTCL), Oxford.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental work at Oxford and ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
• Combine measurements, modelling and experiments to understand H− production.
• Collaborate with university and ISIS teams to advance negative-ion source design.

Skills

Independent learning

Research mindset

Education

First-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry or Physics

Job description

Supervisor: Professor Grant Ritchie

Start date: 1st October 2027

Applications are invited for a DPhil studentship in the area of Plasma Chemistry, available from October 2027, to work under the supervision of Professor Grant Ritchie in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

The studentship will cover course fees at a Home rate and provide a stipend of no less than the standard UK Research Council rate (currently set at £21,805 p.a.) for 3.5 years.

Please see: www.ox.ac.uk/students/fees-funding/fees/status for more information.

Research in the Ritchie group develops new technologies for detecting and measuring chemical processes, with applications ranging from healthcare to plasma science.

This project focuses on better understanding hydrogen plasmas and improving the production of negatively charged hydrogen ions (H⁻). These ions are important for major scientific technologies, including particle accelerators, neutron sources and future fusion-energy systems.

At present, producing H⁻ ions efficiently is challenging because their formation depends on several complex and interconnected processes within the plasma and at the surfaces surrounding it. As a result, existing sources are often improved through trial and error rather than through a detailed understanding of the underlying science.

The project will combine advanced measurements, computer modelling and experiments to understand how magnetic fields and different materials affect H⁻ production. The ultimate goal is to establish clear scientific principles for designing more efficient and reliable negative-ion sources for future research and energy technologies. The studentship is a collaboration between the Oxford Chemistry and STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source – see www.isis.stfc.ac.uk - and the successful candidate will conduct experimental work both at Oxford University and at ISIS.

Candidates with a first-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry or Physics are encouraged to apply. The candidate is expected to have a strong commitment to research and should have demonstrated the ability to independently learn new skills. The successful applicant will be based in the Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory (PTCL), Oxford.

Please quote GR/Chem/2027 under ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’.

Application deadline: 12:00 noon UK time on Wednesday, 6th January 2027.

Queries relating to the application and admission process should be directed to: [e-mail]; tel.: [phone].

The Department of Chemistry holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Ritchie group is dedicated to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.