PhD Research Studentships

Graphene-based electronics for future computing

Supervisor: Oliver FENWICK
Apply by:30 September 2026
Start in:January (Semester 2)

Description

We are seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake a PhD project on “Graphene-based electronics for future computing”. The research project will be part of the £6M EPSRC Programme Grant entitled “Enabling Net Zero and the AI Revolution with Ultra-Low Energy 2D Materials and Devices”; a joint endeavour between Queen Mary University of London and the Universities of Glasgow and Nottingham, along with 20 industrial partners. This will give additional networking and training opportunities in an expanding field.

The student will work under the supervision of Prof. Oliver Fenwick to develop novel devices for low-power computation based around graphene that is grown at wafer-scale by our project partners. This will include exploiting the exceptional low-temperature performance of graphene for quantum computing applications. The student will use clean room, deposition and nanofabrication facilities, electron microscopy at the Nanovision centre, and advanced AFM techniques as well as undertaking electrical characterisation.

At the completion of this project, the student will be proficient in a variety of semiconductor device processing and nano fabrication skills, a number of metrology techniques and a range of electronic device characterisation techniques. They will have had the opportunity to engage with and learn from partners from across the project consortium.

Students applying for this project should have a background in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science and have some understanding in semiconductors or semiconductor devices. Whilst we value experience in any of the lab techniques mentioned, we are aware that not all candidates have had the opportunity. The supervisors are committed to training and upskilling the successful candidate as they progress through their PhD programme.

EPSRC Research Studentship Details

To be eligible for a full award (stipend and fees) applicants must have: 

  • settled status in the UK, meaning they have no restrictions on how long they can stay and
  • This means they must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences and
  • Not been residing in the UK wholly or mainly for the purpose of full-time education (This does not apply to UK nationals). [OF1] 

(See: https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/[OF2]  for more details)

  • Full Time programme only.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years.
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Prof. Oliver Fenwick

 Email: o.fenwick@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Materials:

http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html

Further Guidance: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2026 SEMS’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

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Funding

Funded by: EPSRC
UKRI rate for stipend is £23,805 p.a. for Home Fees applicants only

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
  • Note for EPSRC studentships; these studentships are open to those with Home fee status; according to the EPSRC terms and conditions.
  • Candidates are expected to start in January (Semester 2).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Oliver FENWICK.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 2 / January start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-730" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Keywords:Physical Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Materials Science - Other, Semiconductors