PhD Opportunities in Chemistry, University of Birmingham, UK

PhD Opportunities in Chemistry: Explore the world of cutting-edge research and scientific excellence at the School of Chemistry. Embark on a rewarding journey by applying for one of our prestigious PhD opportunities. The School is dedicated to addressing current and future scientific challenges, and we invite enthusiastic and enterprising individuals to join our vibrant research community.

PhD Opportunities in the School of Chemistry

• 🎓 Fully funded 3.5-year PhD position in Computational Carbon Chemistry at the University of Birmingham
• 🌐 Research project on “PATTERNCHEM: Shape and Topology as Descriptors of Chemical and Physical Properties in Functional Organic Materials”
• 📅 Application Deadline: 15 March 2024
• 🏢 Led by Prof. Ganna (Anya) Gryn’ova, the project focuses on developing application-oriented fingerprints for functional organic materials.
• 💡 Interdisciplinary research involves machine learning, quantum chemistry, and multiscale materials simulations.
• 🌍 The Computational Carbon Chemistry group will relocate to the University of Birmingham in April 2024.
• 🎓 Fully funded 3.5-year PhD position in Computational Carbon Chemistry at the University of Birmingham
• 🌐 Research project on “Computational Modelling of Graphene and Its Derivatives”
• 📅 Application Deadline: 15 March 2024
• 🏢 Led by Prof. Ganna (Anya) Gryn’ova, the project aims to elucidate key chemical factors determining the efficiency of graphene-based materials.
• 💡 Research areas include carbocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and hybrid electrode materials.
• 🌍 The Computational Carbon Chemistry group will relocate to the University of Birmingham in April 2024.
• 🎓 Fully funded PhD studentship on the influence of plastic pollution on the environment at the University of Birmingham
• 🌐 Focus on developing sustainable polymer platforms and studying polymer degradation
• 📅 Application Deadline: Open all year round for UK applicants
• 🏢 Led by Prof. Andrew Dove, the project involves synthesis of sustainable polymers, advanced analytical techniques, and understanding environmental degradation.
• 🌐 Research aims to bridge the knowledge gap on the biodegradation of new polymers and plastics.
• 🎓 PhD place available in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham with Dr. Dwaipayan Chakrabarti
• 🌐 Project theme: Designing and developing colloidal advanced materials using high-performance computing
• 📅 Application Deadline: 03 April 2024
• 💡 Project focuses on colloidal self-assembly for soft advanced materials with photonic, phononic, or mechanical properties.
• 🌐 The Chakrabarti group collaborates with various groups and holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for promoting equality in STEM.
• 🎓 Fully funded PhD studentship on the challenge of polycatenane synthesis at the University of Birmingham
• 🌐 Focus on mechanically chiral molecules as catalysts to address the challenge of linking molecular rings together.
• 📅 Application Deadline: Open all year round for UK applicants
• 🏢 Led by the Goldup Group, the project aims to selectively link rings together at the molecular level for enhanced mechanical properties.

🔗 Synthesis of Rotaxanes and Catenanes Project Overview:

1. 🧪 Chemistry Focus:
   • Synthesis of rotaxanes and catenanes in extremely high yield.
   • Utilizes methodologies outlined in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016 and J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2018.
2. 🎓 Project Goals:
   • Apply chemistry to synthesize polycatenanes.
   • Study mechanical properties in collaboration with the University of Birmingham.
   • Develop materials with controlled structure and properties.
3. 🔄 Interdisciplinary Nature:
   • Lies at the intersection of synthetic organic chemistry and materials science.
   • Requires addressing challenging problems with new reactions and concepts.
4. 📚 Relevant Reviews:
   • Goldup’s work in the chemistry of interlocked molecules.
   • Reviews by Goldup and Rowan on interlocked polymeric materials.
5. 🤝 Training and Mentoring:
   • Comprehensive training in synthetic organic and supramolecular chemistry.
   • Mentoring by Professor Goldup for scientific writing, presentation skills, and project design.
6. 🏢 Goldup Group:
   • Focuses on synthesis, properties, and applications of mechanically interlocked molecules.
   • Collaborations span disciplines from materials science to chemical biology.
7. 💰 Funding:
   • Fully funded for 3.5 years with a tax-free stipend and fees for UK home students.
   • Exceptional circumstances considered for non-UK home fee status.
8. 📅 Application Process:
   • Interested candidates should contact Professor Goldup with CV and research interests.
   • Emphasis on achieving gender and diversity balance.

🔗 Mechanically Chiral Molecules as Catalysts Project:

1. 🌀 Focus on Mechanically Chiral Molecules:
   • Stereoselective synthesis of mechanically chiral rotaxanes and catenanes pioneered by Goldup Group.
2. 🎯 Project Scope:
   • Study applications of mechanically chiral molecules as enantioselective catalysts.
   • Application of existing and new synthetic methodologies.
3. 📚 Relevant Reviews:
   • Exploration of mechanically interlocked ligands in catalysis.
   • Utilizing the crowded environment created by mechanically chiral molecules.
4. 🤝 Training and Mentoring:
   • Comprehensive training in synthetic organic and supramolecular chemistry.
   • Mentoring by Professor Goldup for scientific writing, presentation skills, and project design.
5. 🏢 Goldup Group:
   • Focuses on synthesis, properties, and applications of mechanically interlocked molecules.
   • Strong collaboration across scientific disciplines.
6. 💰 Funding:
   • Fully funded for 3.5 years with a tax-free stipend and fees for UK home students.
   • Exceptional circumstances considered for non-UK home fee status.
7. 📅 Application Process:
   • Candidates should contact Professor Goldup with CV and research interests.
   • Emphasis on achieving gender and diversity balance.

🔗 Sustainable Synthesis of Mechanically Bonded Molecules Project:

1. 🔄 Background:
   • Mechanically bonded molecules proposed for various applications.
   • Challenge lies in their sustainable synthesis.
2. 🔧 Mechanochemistry Approach:
   • Use of mechanical force for controlled chemical reactions.
   • Twin Screw Extrusion (TSE) highlighted for scalable, sustainable synthesis.
3. 🏭 Project Goals:
   • Combine methods of Goldup and Crawford Groups for sustainable synthesis.
   • Develop methods for the synthesis of functional interlocked molecules.
4. 📚 Relevant Reviews:
   • Goldup on the chemistry of interlocked molecules.
   • Crawford’s work on recent developments in mechanochemical materials synthesis.
5. 🤝 Training and Mentoring:
   • Training in synthetic and supramolecular chemistry by Goldup Group.
   • Mechanochemistry concepts by Crawford Group.
   • Mentoring for scientific writing, presentation, and project execution.
6. 🏢 Goldup Group and Crawford Group:
   • Goldup focuses on interlocked molecules, Crawford on solvent-free synthesis.
   • Collaborative effort to tackle sustainability challenges.
7. 💰 Funding:
   • Fully funded for 3.5 years with a tax-free stipend and fees for UK home students.
   • Exceptional circumstances considered for non-UK home fee status.
8. 📅 Application Process:
   • Candidates should contact Professor Goldup with CV and research interests.
   • Emphasis on achieving gender and diversity balance.

🔗 Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) Using Rotaxane-Based Ligands Project:

1. 🧲 Focus on Metal Coordination and Mechanical Bond:
   • Efficient synthesis of catenanes and rotaxanes using metal coordination.
   • Exploration of stable organometallic complexes.
2. 🏛️ Project Scope:
   • Study mechanically chelating ligands for medical imaging applications.
   • Collaboration with imaging experts at the University of Birmingham and the University of Zurich.
3. 📚 Relevant Reviews:
   • Goldup’s work on interlocked molecules and their ligand applications.
   • Exploration of metal-organic frameworks.
4. 🤝 Training and Mentoring:
   • Training in synthetic organic and supramolecular chemistry by Goldup Group.
   • Extensive experience in analytical techniques and mentoring by Professor Goldup.
5. 🏢 Goldup Group:
   • Focuses on synthesis, properties, and applications of mechanically interlocked molecules.
6. 💰 Funding:
   • Fully funded for 3.5 years with a tax-free stipend and fees for UK home students.
   • Exceptional circumstances considered for non-UK home fee status.
7. 📅 Application Process:
   • Candidates should contact Professor Goldup with CV and research interests.
   • Emphasis on achieving gender and diversity balance.

• 🧪 Chemistry PhD Opportunity
  • Explore MOFs and mechanically-interlocked molecules, like rotaxanes.
  • Motivated candidates for supramolecular chemistry applications.
  • Involves organic and inorganic synthesis, NMR, single crystal, and powder X-ray diffraction.
  • Opportunity to use the group’s single crystal X-ray diffractometer.
  • Supervised by Prof. Neil Champness at the University of Birmingham.
  • Strong Master’s degree in Chemistry required.
  • Open to UK students. Apply to Prof. Neil Champness.
• 💻 Computational Chemistry PhD Project
  • Focus on discovering wide band gap oxides with metallic conductivity.
  • Part of the PRAETORIAN project using computational modeling.
  • Screen underexplored post-transition metal oxide chemistries.
  • Develop design principles for new transparent conducting oxides (TCOs).
  • Strong foundation in computational chemistry techniques.
  • 2.1 honors in Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Science required.
  • Fully funded for 4 years, open to UK students. Apply by March 15, 2024.
• ⚙️ Synthetic Biology PhD Opportunity
  • Design artificial protein scaffolds for multiple metal ions.
  • Modular approach using de novo designed coiled coil components.
  • Applications in electronics, energy, and engineering net-zero.
  • Training in peptide design, synthesis, and metal binding evaluation.
  • 4-year EPSRC industrial CASE PhD co-funded by the University of Birmingham and Dstl.
  • Stipend and tuition fees provided for UK students. Apply by May 1, 2024.
• 🌐 Mechanochemistry PhD Position
  • Explore mechanochemical reactions in semi-crystalline solids and surfaces.
  • Develop theoretical frameworks using computational chemistry and machine learning.
  • Emphasis on understanding phonon-driven reactivity affected by mechanical activation.
  • Opportunity for experimental validation at synchrotron and neutron scattering facilities.
  • Suitable for candidates with a background in chemistry or physics.
  • Fully funded for 3.5 years, open to those eligible for UK home fees. Apply with CV and statement.
• 🌌 Astrochemistry PhD Research
  • Study chemistry in low-temperature environments relevant to the interstellar medium.
  • Use laser techniques and frequency comb laser spectrometer to measure reaction rate coefficients.
  • Investigate product branching ratios as a function of temperature.
  • Join the Lehman research group at the University of Birmingham.
  • Explore astrochemically relevant chemical reaction kinetics. Apply anytime.

• 🌐 Innovative Research:
  • Utilizing infrared spectra to gather information about organosulfur molecules’ identity and reactivity.
  • Experimental work supported by spectral simulations, ab initio calculations, and reaction kinetics simulations.
• 🎓 Well-Rounded PhD Studentship:
  • Comprehensive training in communication, project management, and technical skills (vibrational absorption spectroscopy, kinetic methods, laser-based spectroscopic techniques, optics, vacuum systems, and quantum chemical calculations).
  • Training in writing and implementing computer-controlled data acquisition and analysis programs.
  • Access to diverse workshops, including degree management, viva preparation, and attendance at national/international conferences.
• 💼 Funding Details:
  • Open to UK applicants.
  • 3.5 years studentship starting in October 2024.
  • Standard EPSRC rates for stipend and fees.
• 🌍 Plastic Degradation Research:
  • Investigating how plastics degrade in different environments using analytical techniques and simulated conditions.
  • PhD studentship in collaboration with Prof. Andrew Dove and Prof. Stefan Krause at the University of Birmingham.
  • Areas of research include polymer synthesis, degradation studies, analytical methods, and collaboration with other disciplines.
• 🧬 Pathogen Detection Project:
  • Addressing the need for rapid pathogen detection using novel approaches independent of expensive equipment and electricity.
  • Developing a unique detection method using polymeric, catalytic, and dye systems with DNA-hairpins or aptamers.
  • Fully funded 3.5 years studentship covering tuition fees and stipend at the UK home rate.
• 🦠 Virucidal Antiviral Materials:
  • Research program focused on developing broad-spectrum antivirals using star polymers effective against various viruses.
  • Investigating properties for potent virucidal antivirals and screening against a range of viruses.
  • Fully funded 3.5 years studentship covering tuition fees and stipend at the UK home rate.
• ⚗️ Organometallic Chemistry Opportunity:
  • Opportunity to explore synthetic organometallic chemistry, sustainable catalysis, and energy storage.
  • Focus on Group-1 metals, aiming to explore low-valent complexes and their applications in catalysis and energy storage.
  • Training in anaerobic synthesis, spectroscopies, and computational skills provided.
• 🔬 Optical Sensing Project:
  • Joint PhD position between the University of Birmingham and BAM (Berlin) in supramolecular chemistry and optical sensing.
  • Developing optical reporters for environmental sensing and bioimaging using perylene diimides.
  • Fully funded 3.5 years position open to students from Germany and the UK.
• 🌐 Molecular Imaging for MRI Contrast Agents:
  • Project involving the development of molecular and nanoscale materials as MRI contrast agents.
  • Designing responsive materials capable of changing signals in response to disease biomarkers.
  • Fully funded 3 years studentship for UK students, starting in September 2024.
• 🌈 High-Resolution Imaging of Conjugated Polymers:
  • Fully funded 3.5 years PhD position focused on experimental nanoscience, molecular imaging of conjugated polymers.
  • Research emphasis on identifying and understanding defects in conjugated polymers synthesized through arylation polymerization.
  • Use of electrospray deposition (ESD) combined with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) for efficient characterization.

• 🧬 Research Breakthrough:
  • Conjugated polymers studied in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) using ESD-STM technique.
  • Molecular-scale characterization achieved for the first time.
  • Unprecedented sub-molecular resolved images obtained.
• 🌐 Project Scope:
  • ESD-STM applied to study DArP conjugated polymers.
  • Goals include determining precise backbone sequences, identifying structural defects, establishing assembly patterns, and acquiring mass distribution.
  • Unique information not achievable with current analytical techniques.
  • Potential for groundbreaking results with high fundamental and applied impact.
• 🎓 Opportunities for Candidates:
  • Access to unique ESD-STM equipment for world-leading research.
  • Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art experimental setups.
  • Collaboration with leading synthetic groups globally.
  • Welcoming motivated students from various backgrounds, especially those inclined towards hands-on experimental work.
• 🔍 References:
  • Notable publications in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 showcasing advancements in the field.
• 🎓 PhD Research Project – Visualising Molecular Doping in Conjugated Polymers:
  • Molecular doping crucial for enhancing conjugated polymer performance.
  • ESD-STM technique applied to study small molecule dopants’ interaction at sub-nm scale.
  • Goals include establishing location, conformation, interaction, and disruption extent caused by doping.
  • Scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) used for measuring local electronic structure.
  • Potential for pioneering results with high fundamental and applied impact.
• 🌐 Opportunities for Candidates:
  • Access to unique ESD-STM equipment for world-leading research.
  • Collaboration with leading synthetic groups globally.
  • Welcoming motivated students, especially those inclined towards hands-on experimental work.
• 📚 References:
  • Notable publications in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 showcasing advancements in the field.
• 🎓 PhD Studentship in Polymer Chemistry:
  • Focus on developing new polymers for biomaterial applications.
  • Research areas include post-polymerization modifications, polymer-cell interactions, and applications.
  • Training provided in polymer synthesis, biological aspects, and use of state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Fully funded for 42 months, open to UK applicants.
• 🌐 PhD Research Project – Mechanochemistry for Environmentally Friendly Pharmaceuticals:
  • TSE demonstrated as an excellent means for mechanochemistry, industrializing pharmaceutical synthesis.
  • Aim to develop environmentally friendly, biodegradable pharmaceuticals.
  • Project addresses pharmaceutical pollution and environmental impact.
  • Fully funded for 3.5 years, open to UK applicants.
• 📚 References:
  • Notable publications highlighting TSE synthesis and pharmaceutical pollution.
• 🎓 PhD Research Project – Functional Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs):
  • Emphasis on dynamic and photoresponsive properties of MOFs.
  • Opportunity for comprehensive research experience from synthesis to advanced characterization.
  • Expertise in spectroscopic and photocrystallographic techniques.
  • Self-funded applicants welcome, open to diverse backgrounds.
• 📚 References:
  • Key references in the field of functional MOFs.
• 🎓 PhD Research Project – Wearable Hydrogel for Protein Detection:
  • Project focuses on a wearable hydrogel for protein pre-concentration, labelling, and release.
  • Detection using leaky waveguides, lateral flow devices, and microtitre plate readers.
  • Less laborious than ELISA for detecting low abundance proteins.
  • Self-funded applicants invited, contact Dr. Gupta for inquiries.
• 📚 References:
  • References highlighting the potential of the wearable hydrogel.
• 🎓 PhD Research Project – Three-Dimensional Microfluidics for High-Throughput Studies:
  • Project aims to develop three-dimensional microfluidics for high-throughput studies.
  • Focus on cost-effective testing for drug discovery and diagnostics.
  • Self-funded applicants encouraged to apply.
• 📚 References:
  • References highlighting the current methods used in high-throughput studies.

• 💡 PhD Research Project: Optofluidic Biosensor
  • Objective: Develop a highly sensitive optofluidic biosensor for DNA detection without PCR amplification.
  • Methodology:
    • Utilize interferometry with two microfluidic channels filled with hydrogel.
    • Integrate electrokinetic methods for rapid transport and concentration of DNA targets.
    • Analyze interference patterns using image processing methods and machine learning.
  • Group: Gupta group at the University of Birmingham (https://rguptagrouplab.com/).
  • Contact: Interested self-funded candidates may contact Dr Gupta (r.gupta.3@bham.ac.uk) for discussions.
  • References:
    • [1] A. Brik, C.-Y. Wu, C.H. Wong, Microtiter Plate Based Chemistry and In Situ Screening: A Useful Approach for Rapid Inhibitor Discovery.
    • [2] M.T. Guo et al., Droplet Microfluidics for High-Throughput Biological Assays.
    • [3] R. Gupta et al., An Optofluidic Young Interferometer Sensor for Real-Time Imaging of Refractive Index.
• 💡 PhD Research Project: Dual-Phase Zeolites for Nuclear Waste Remediation
  • Objective: Investigate synthesis-structure-property relationships in dual-phase zeolites for nuclear waste remediation.
  • Collaborators: Dr Phoebe Allan (University of Birmingham), Dr Sharif Ahmed, Dr Joe Hriljac (Diamond Light Source), Dr Tom Carey (National Nuclear Laboratory).
  • Focus Area: Site Ion-exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP) at Sellafield treating radioactive Cs-137 and Sr-90 using aluminosilicate zeolites.
  • Approach:
    • Develop new dual-phase zeolite materials.
    • Utilize in situ x-ray imaging and diffraction to uncover formation and ion-exchange mechanisms.
  • Training: Wide-range of scientific skills applicable to academia or industry.
  • Requirements: Candidates with a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related disciplines.
  • Contact: Email Dr Phoebe Allan (p.allan@bham.ac.uk) with a CV before applying.
  • Stipend: Diamond students receive an enhanced stipend and funds for training, travel, and conference attendance.
  • Diversity: The University of Birmingham promotes equality, diversity, and fairness.
• 💬 Application Information
  • Deadline: Applications accepted all year round.
  • Scholarships: No scholarships available for both projects.
  • Contact: Interested self-funded candidates may contact Dr Gupta (r.gupta.3@bham.ac.uk) for an informal discussion (Optofluidic Biosensor) or email Dr Phoebe Allan (p.allan@bham.ac.uk) with a CV in advance of applying (Dual-Phase Zeolites).

Location: School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, UK

Eligibility/Qualification: Aspiring candidates with a passion for scientific discovery and a commitment to excellence are encouraged to apply. The School typically offers up to 20 PhD studentships annually. For detailed information on eligibility criteria and specific qualifications, please refer to our application guidelines on the official website.

Description: The School of Chemistry is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. Currently, over 100 postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows are actively engaged in diverse chemical disciplines. Our research priorities span a wide spectrum, providing exciting opportunities for scholars to contribute to advancements in their chosen field.

How to Apply:

1. Visit the official School of Chemistry website for the latest information and application guidelines.
2. Explore our research priorities, facilities, and infrastructure to align your interests with our ongoing projects.
3. Follow the provided links to learn more about visiting us and the application process.
4. Prepare a comprehensive application that showcases your passion for research, determination, and commitment to scientific excellence.

Last Date for Apply: We encourage interested candidates to review the application deadlines on our website. Stay updated on the latest information, and ensure your application is submitted before the specified deadline.

Join us in the pursuit of knowledge and scientific breakthroughs. Apply for a PhD opportunity at the School of Chemistry and be part of a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

For more information, visit School of Chemistry – PhD Opportunities.

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