PhD projects on offer
You will join the multi-disciplinary Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab and work at the world-class labs of the Optoelectronics Research Centre. You will have the opportunity to build connections with UK and European research partners by being affiliated also with the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing (https://www.uk-neuromorphic-centre.net/). Additionally, you will be encouraged to attend major conferences, sharing your work and networking with leading experts.
The impact of this work extends beyond academia; your findings could lead to efficient, scalable devices for applications in artificial intelligence (AI), low-power data storage, and edge computing. Your work will help develop technology capable of high-speed, energy-efficient computation that mimics brain functions—ideal for AI tasks like pattern recognition, decision-making, and adaptive learning.
These projects offer a chance to contribute to emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionise data processing and computing, while gaining skills, recognition, and experience that will position you as a leader in the field of nanoelectronics and memory technology.
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This is a 4-year integrated PhD (iPhD) programme and is part of the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability (SustAI) under the theme Sustainable AI https://sustai.info/. It carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. Check this link for info on how to apply:
Artificial intelligence is transforming society but comes with a growing energy and carbon cost. This project will explore new nanostructured materials and device architectures that can deliver brain-inspired computing with radically improved energy efficiency.
You will design and fabricate nanoscale neural elements using emerging semiconductors, such as 2D materials, ferroelectric polymers, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems, exploring their potential for in-memory sensing, learning, and computation. By integrating these materials into scalable device arrays, the project aims to create neuromorphic systems capable of energy-efficient information processing.
Working within the SustAI CDT’s multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with researchers across electronics, photonics, and machine learning to advance the next generation of green intelligence technologies—bridging materials innovation and sustainable AI architectures.
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This project focuses on developing nanostructured optoelectronic devices for next-generation photonic memory and neuromorphic computing. You will design and fabricate brain-inspired nanoscale systems using advanced materials and nanopatterning, integrating them with photonic sources to realise high-speed, energy-efficient optoelectronic neural networks for future artificial intelligence (AI) and computing technologies.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to work on the cutting-edge design and development of nanoscale optoelectronic devices, specifically tailored for next-generation memory systems and neuromorphic computing applications. These are optoelectronic devices and systems that can realistically emulate biological neural networks.
In this project you will explore advanced materials and novel nanopatterning techniques to develop the next generation of nanodevices. High throughput fabrication of nanodevices on large areas will be pursued using organic and inorganic materials processed via solution-based or sputtering techniques. You will integrate these devices and arrays with photonic structures, serving as the optical source. This novel optoelectronic technology can effectively emulate synaptic weights and may be programmable both via light and voltage/current.
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This is a 4-year integrated PhD (iPhD) programme and is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk). It carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. Check this link for info on how to apply:
Nanoscale Quantum Optoelectronic Platforms for Next-Generation Neuromorphic Systems on FindAPhD.com
This PhD explores quantum dots and perovskite nanocrystals to create nanoscale optoelectronic devices that mimic functionalities of the biological eye. You will design and integrate quantum-enhanced photonic systems for energy-efficient, high-speed neuromorphic computing and sensing, advancing sustainable and intelligent quantum technologies.
This PhD project focuses on designing and fabricating of high-performance nanoscale systems using quantum dots and perovskite nanocrystals as active optoelectronic materials. You will investigate light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, implement nanopatterning and thin-film deposition techniques, and develop integrated photonic architectures for in-memory computing and brain-inspired device functionalities. The work will involve optoelectronic device fabrication and characterisation, characterisation of excitonic and charge transport properties, and integration with photonic sources to realise high-speed, energy-efficient optoelectronic neural networks.
PhD application process
We accept applications all year round. Please apply early in the academic year if you want to secure some of the available funding.
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (starting from £21,403 up to £31,403 for those starting in 2026-27) for top-ranked applicants.
See here for more information about funding opportunities at the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences of the University of Southampton.
Depending on which project you apply for, please type “PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering” or “iPhD SUST AI” or “PhD Quantum Tech Eng” as the programme (Research - Full time), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and enter Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab or Sustainable AI Theme (for the SustAI CDT applications) under the Topic or Field of Research and Prof Dimitra Georgiadou as the name of the supervisor.
Applications should include a CV, publications (if any), the names of two referees and a cover letter explaining your current interests and relevant background. For SustAI CDT applications we require also a brief proposal along with your application (see How to Apply - SustAI CDT).
Job openings
We are accepting applications for Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowships (see here for details for 2025 round) to be hosted by the Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab on projects aligning with the Themes of the new UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing. Deadline date: 10 September 2025 17:00:00 Brussels time
We are now accepting applications for 2026 round - contact us early to discuss your proposal ideas.
Topics of interest are:
Ultra-Low-Power Optoelectronic Synapses using 2D Materials
Nanopatterning and Integration of Novel Materials for Neuromorphic Devices
Hybrid Operational Modes for Energy-Efficient Synaptic Devices
Integrating Neuromorphic Devices with Sustainable Photonic Sources
Reconfigurable Photodiode Arrays for In-Memory Neuromorphic Sensing
Please send your CV and a half-pager with the main idea for your project to discuss more and support you in your application.
No other job openings right now - stay tuned for future opportunities!
