Molecular materials have the promise of revolutionising electronics by providing low-cost and sustainable alternatives to silicon-based devices. Within this project you will study molecular materials and, specifically, how molecules interact with light providing the basis for new light sources, solar cells and sensors. Computations will be performed on newest generation materials being synthesised by collaborators at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and Loughborough University.

The specific project can be tailored to your interest out of Dr Plasser's research portfolio. Your work may encompass luminescence of doublet emitters, singlet fission for next generation solar cells, battery anodes based on macrocyclic molecules or luminescent anion sensors made from lanthanide complexes.

During this project you will join Dr Plasser’s group at Loughborough to perform cutting edge research in computational chemistry, joint with experimental collaborators. You will learn how to run a variety of quantum chemistry computations and how to interpret the results in terms of relevant materials properties. You will learn how to deal with large amounts of data, to automate the required tasks using scripting languages and will have the chance to acquire more sophisticated computer programming skills. You will learn how to communicate the results with colleagues working in experiment and theory via posters, oral presentations, and scientific publications.

At the end of this project, you will be able to carry out analogous work independently in industry or academia. In addition, you will have a firm background in IT skills and data analysis.