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PhD Vacancy: Beyond the mass scale: adding molecule structure to 3D mass spectrometry imaging

Job Details

permanent
United Kingdom
NPL Careers
01.12.2023
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Full Job Description

“ Going beyond the mass scale: Exploiting state-of-the-art instrumentation to add molecular structure to 3D mass spectrometry imaging”

NPL and collaborators pioneered the revolutionary OrbiSIMS instrument ( ). The instrument has the ability to provide 3D chemical imaging with high specificity and a depth resolution of less than 10 nm and has proven popular in a broad field of applications from organic electronics to drug discovery. A recent NPL study on OrbiSIMS metrology indicated the possibility for separation of molecules based on their shape, stability and kinetics of formation ( ). These promising results indicate that in this manner it is possible to probe secondary features of materials, such as isomerism in organic molecules; this is an important observation as it takes a chemical analysis technique to one which has the ability to provide structural information; going beyond the mass scale.
 
The University of Surrey Surface Analysis Lab have been active in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for over thirty years using the method to unravel the complexities of interface chemistry in adhesive bonds, organic coatings on metals and fibre composite materials. During this time, the Group has collaborated extensively with industry and academia and introduced a number of novel approaches in time-of-flight SIMS (ToF-SIMS) eg methods for discrimination of similar polymeric materials in a coil coating ( This project aims to understand the physics behind the phenomena that separates molecules by structure and leverage these to develop innovative methods to study molecules at the micro and nanoscale. Reference metal materials will be used for fundamental studies and organic molecules that are structural isomers will be used for the development of analytical methods. The fundamental studies will be aided by computer simulation of ion paths in electromagnetic fields. The project will make use of two SIMS systems, the standard ToF-SIMS at Surrey and the OrbiSIMS at NPL. The geographical proximity of the two sites will enable ready travel between the two.

About You

Candidates must meet Surrey graduate entry requirements which include holding at least an upper second-class degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject area such as physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, computer science or applied mathematics. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and additional research experience would be an advantage.
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About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK.  

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we hold memberships and accreditations to ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome, please see our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of benefits . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. 

To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.  

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