PhD position: On-surface organic nano-electronics

Modern electronics relies on the control of electric charge in nanoscale devices. Current mass production methods for device miniaturisation are not only reaching their inherent limit, but are also facing fundamental challenges arising from quantum phenomena at the nanoscale. The design of next-generation electronic devices requires the development of radically new approaches to nanotechnology, including novel materials to supplement or substitute silicon as the active material.

The aim of this project is to design electronically functional nanodevices based on supramolecular self-assembly on surfaces as novel active electronic materials. This approach employs molecules as building blocks to assemble nanostructures with atomic-scale structural precision and tailored electronic functionality. These systems offer extraordinary tunability and extensibility, spanning from the micro- down to the nanoscale. Engineered nanodevices will consist of low-dimensional organic and metal-organic nanostructures, synthesized from the bottom-up with atomic-scale precision. These active materials will be connected to macroscopic electrodes, allowing to access the macroscopic electronic properties of the organic systems via electron transport measurements. This will bridge the gap between atomic-scale electronic structure and overall electronic functionality of the device.

The PhD candidate will gain expertise in experimental surface science, nanoscience, supramolecular chemistry, low-temperature physics, scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron transport, nanofabrication and ultrahigh vacuum. The candidate will perform experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data, compare these experimental data with theoretical models (developed by theoretical collaborators (e.g. with expertise in density functional theory) or the PhD candidate her/himself, time permitting). S/he will conduct his own research project independently. S/he will work within a research team and acquire relevant expertise in the aforementioned fields of research. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Schiffrin and Weber, with help of other research group members.

Applicants should hold an Honours or Master’s degree, and have a strong background in experimental physics.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Agustin Schiffrin at Agustin.Schiffrin@monash.edu and Dr Bent Weber at Bent.Weber@monash.edu.

Interested applicants must meet Monash Universities PhD entry requirements. See following link: http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/physics/postgrad/apply-postgrad.html.