Global Doctoral Scholarship: The University of St Andrews and the University of Bonn are offering a Global Doctoral Scholarship to support outstanding students pursuing doctoral research in “Programming autonomous chemical systems in time and space – towards materials with lifelike properties.” This prestigious, jointly funded scholarship fosters collaboration, cutting-edge research, and international academic exposure by engaging students in a dual-site program in chemistry, nanochemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and systems chemistry.
Global Doctoral Scholarship – St Andrews and Bonn – Chemistry
The program aims to create innovative reaction networks exhibiting lifelike behaviors and develop autonomously assembling materials with detailed spatiotemporal control. Students will have the privilege to work with renowned teams across both universities.
Designation
Doctoral Researcher (PhD Scholarship)
Scholarship Details
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Scholar |
| Research Area | Chemistry, Nanochemistry, Systems Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry |
| Funding Institution(s) | University of St Andrews, University of Bonn |
| Duration | Up to 3.5 years |
| Locations | * St Andrews, United Kingdom * Bonn, Germany |
| Funding Amount | * ~£19,237/year at St Andrews (UK Research Council Rate) * €1,500/month in Bonn |
| Tuition Fees | Covered by institutions |
| Additional Costs | Annual social contribution fees at Bonn (€315/semester) |
| Start Date | Any time between the 2025-2026 academic year, with a deadline of 27 May 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 25 April 2025 |
Research Area
This scholarship focuses on creating a new class of materials with lifelike properties, including self-replication and nanoscale assembly, driven by photoswitchable molecular replication and interaction networks.
Location
- University of St Andrews, School of Chemistry, St Andrews, United Kingdom
- University of Bonn, Kekulé Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Bonn, Germany
Eligibility/Qualifications
- Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree or be enrolled in a PhD program.
- They must demonstrate academic excellence and relevance to the scholarship area in their previous studies.
- Open to applicants from all geographical locations.
- Candidates must meet the admissions criteria for both institutions.
Scholarship Description
This exciting, cutting-edge project aims to establish a bilateral collaboration between two leading research institutions. The program will involve:
- Dual enrollment at St Andrews and Bonn.
- Learning to design and synthesize molecules and utilize molecular interactions for self-replicating, nanoscale assemblies.
- Training across systems chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and cutting-edge multiscale chemical research.
- An equal amount of time spent at both institutions (50% at each site).
- One-on-one supervision and mentorship from a team of interdisciplinary experts:
- Dr. Euan Kay and Prof. Douglas Philp at St Andrews.
- Dr. Larissa von Krbek and Prof. Arne Lützen at Bonn.
Key objectives include creating molecular systems exhibiting emergent behaviors such as self-replication and nanoscale assembly using advanced photoswitchable molecular techniques, with final applications in lifelike materials.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application by email to both co-supervisors at St Andrews and Bonn. Applications should include:
- CV with academic training background and past research experience.
- Statement of Suitability (500 words) explaining motivation for the project and its scientific objectives.
- Transcripts of the most recent and relevant academic degrees.
Contacts for Application Submission:
- Dr. Euan Kay (St Andrews): ek28@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Prof. Dr. Arne Lützen (Bonn): arne.luetzen@uni-bonn.de
Additional Information
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview with the supervisory team before formal decisions are made. Successful candidates will subsequently apply for admission to both institutions.
Last Date to Apply
Friday, 25 April 2025
This is a unique opportunity to engage in internationally collaborative research at the forefront of chemistry and materials science. For further queries, contact pgscholarships@st-andrews.ac.uk.
