The Centre for Doctoral Training in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NanoDTC) at the University of Cambridge invites applications for its 3.5-year interdisciplinary PhD programme.
The programme combines hands-on training, cohort-based learning, and cutting-edge research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, startups, and beyond.
We welcome applicants from the Physical Sciences, including Chemistry, Physics, Materials, and Engineering. Shortlisting is based on written applications (qualifications, aspirations, experience), with final selection via interview focusing on independent thinking.
Find out more here:
Programme overview: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk/programme-overview/
How to apply: via the 'Apply' button above.
About the programme
Our 3.5-year PhD programme begins with a 6-month training period followed by a 3-year PhD. The training introduces students to the breadth of interdisciplinary nanoscience and supports their transition from learners to independent researchers. Teaching is hands-on and applied, with modules such as:
- Applied Nanoscience, an introductory module covering core topics in Nanoscience research, experimental skills and data analysis through lab practicals;
- Systems Integration for Experimentalists, which provides core training in electronics and hardware prototyping, commonly required in experimental research projects;
- Two experimental research projects (Mini and Midi projects);
- Sustainable Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which introduces students to identify and analyse innovation opportunities from commercial and societal perspectives, evaluate competitive landscapes, develop business cases and more.
At the 6-month point, students progress onto their interdisciplinary PhD research project, supervised jointly by two academics from two research groups. Usually, supervisors are based in the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Materials or another relevant department across the University. The Midi research project is typically linked closely to the intended PhD project so that students have a chance to get some experience in the prospective PhD lab before confirming their choice.
Beyond core technical training and research, the programme emphasises a holistic approach to science that integrates sustainability and inclusivity across research, applications, entrepreneurship, and communication. Professional skills and cohort-building are fostered through cross-cohort events, including student-led conferences, research seminars, and career development workshops delivered by internal and external experts.
Students at the NanoDTC have the opportunity to pursue highly interdisciplinary research at the forefront of nanoscience. Broadly, research within the programme includes (but is not limited to):
- Designer Nanomaterials - 1D/2D nanomaterials, DNA origami and bionanomaterials, self-assembled systems, hybrid nanomaterials, porous nanomaterials/MOFs;
- Designer Nanofunctions - quantum, photophysical, electronic, ionic & solid state/ biological, magnetic, plasmonic, optoelectronic, neuromorphic;
- Scale-up and Systems - Nanomanufacturing, cellular manufacturing, sensors /actuators, bioelectronics, IoT, theranostics;
- Frontiers in Nano-Metrology - in-situ nanometrology, electron microscopies, ultrafast photophysics, X-ray, THz, superresolution, modelling.
Further details including funding information is available at: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk/apply/
For entry in October 2026, applications will be considered at two internal review deadlines for shortlisting and interviews:
First deadline: 2nd Dec 2025
Second deadline: 3rd Jan 2026
Early applications are strongly encouraged, as offers may be made after the First Deadline.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years in the first instance.
Please direct any queries to nanodtc.admin@phy.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference KA47271 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
