Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to develop advanced nanomanufacturing strategies for two-dimensional (2D) materials, with a particular focus on atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanopatterning, predictive property engineering, and functional device fabrication.
Rather than synthesizing new materials, this project will use readily available 2D materials as versatile platforms for exploring how nanoscale manufacturing can precisely control material properties and functionality. By employing AFM-based nanolithography and related scanning probe techniques, the project aims to create designed nanoscale patterns that locally modify the physical and chemical properties of materials, enabling spatially programmable material functionality.
A key objective is to establish a predictive and systematic approach to nanomanufacturing: understanding how processing parameters and pattern geometries determine local material properties, using these relationships to design target property distributions, and translating them into functional devices through controlled nanoscale fabrication.
The overarching vision is to move from shaping materials at the nanoscale to programming their properties and functionality through nanomanufacturing, bridging conventional nanofabrication and emerging atomic-scale manufacturing.
Host Institution / Research Environment
University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s leading research-intensive university, offering a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment for advanced research and innovation. UCD is a global top-100 university in the QS Ranking 2027. This PhD project will be based in the UCD Centre of Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technology (MNMT-Dublin), within UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. Established in 2016, MNMT-Dublin conducts internationally oriented research in precision manufacturing, micro/nano manufacturing, advanced metrology, and atomic and close-to-atomic scale manufacturing. The Centre combines fundamental research into nanoscale manufacturing processes with the development of innovative technologies and functional applications, supported by advanced manufacturing and characterisation capabilities.
Within this research environment, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to explore AFM-based nanopatterning of two-dimensional materials, investigate processing–structure–property relationships, and develop strategies for spatially programmable material functionality. By integrating nanoscale fabrication, predictive modelling, materials characterisation, and functional device engineering, the project aims to advance new approaches to manufacturing materials with precisely tailored properties and to bridge fundamental nanoscale research with emerging applications in functional devices.
Research Objectives
The successful candidate will investigate the following interconnected areas:
1. AFM-Based Nanopatterning and Nanomanufacturing
Develop and optimize AFM-based nanofabrication strategies for commercially available 2D materials. Explore how scanning probe interactions and processing conditions can be used to create controlled nanoscale patterns, with an emphasis on precision, reproducibility, and spatial resolution.
2. Predictive Modelling of Processing–Structure–Property Relationships
Investigate how nanopatterning parameters, local structural modifications, and processing conditions influence material properties. Develop predictive models and design strategies to guide the fabrication of patterns with targeted physical and chemical characteristics.
3. Local Property Engineering and Spatially Programmable Materials
Explore the controlled modification of selected material properties, potentially including local electronic, optical, mechanical, and surface chemical properties. Use designed nanoscale patterns to create spatially defined property distributions and programmable functional responses.
4. Functional Device Fabrication
Translate patterned materials and spatially engineered properties into functional nanoscale structures and devices. Investigate how manufacturing strategies can be designed around target device functions, rather than relying solely on conventional geometric patterning.
5. Characterization and Performance Evaluation
Employ appropriate nanoscale characterization techniques to assess fabricated structures, quantify local material properties, validate predictive models, and establish relationships between fabrication conditions, material functionality, and device performance.
Overseas Travel and Teaching Responsibilities
The position may require travel to China for up to three months per year to assist the supervisor in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students at UCD’s international campus in China. All travel-related expenses will be covered by the university. Applicants should confirm their willingness to undertake this travel and teaching commitment as part of the application process.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have a strong interest in nanoscience, nanomanufacturing, and functional device engineering. Candidates with backgrounds in materials science, physics, chemistry, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A strong interest in nanoscale fabrication, scanning probe techniques, or advanced manufacturing.
- Good analytical and experimental skills, with an interest in understanding and predicting processing–property relationships.
- An enthusiasm for integrating fabrication, characterization, modelling, and device engineering.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Experience with AFM, nanolithography, manufacturing of 2D materials, computational modelling, nanoscale characterization, or device fabrication would be advantageous.
Application Information
Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV, academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and contact details for referees to Associate Professor Jufan Zhang (Jufan.zhang@ucd.ie)
- Position: PhD student
- Starting date: January 2027
- Application deadline: 20th November 2026
- Host institution: University College Dublin
We encourage applications from candidates who are curious, creative, and excited about using nanoscale patterning to develop new functional materials and devices.