PhD Studentship - MAX-FOX - Maximising F-element Oxidation States

Application deadline: All year round

How many positions: 1

How to apply: www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply

This 4 year PhD project is fully funded by the European Research Council, and is open to UK applicants. The successful applicant will receive tuition fees and an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI (£19,237 for 2024/25).

A European Research Council (ERC) funded PhD studentship is available for an aspiring scientist to undertake research in the field of synthetic f-element chemistry. The studentship forms a part of a larger project targeting the synthesis and physical characterisation of unprecedented high oxidation state molecular lanthanide (Ln), and actinide (An) complexes through new design strategies.

The extension of molecular f-element chemistry beyond the current state-of-the-art [e.g. Ce(IV), Tb(IV), and Pr(IV)] systems will increase the available chemical space for the exploration of novel metal–element multiple bonds, new reactivities based on high oxidation states in opposition to the more developed field of low oxidation state f-element chemistry, and allow the a comprehensive understanding of the physics of these ions to become established.

The successful applicant will synthesise f-block coordination and organometallic compounds using air-free (Schlenk line and glovebox) techniques and structurally characterise them using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Together with collaborators in ab initio quantum chemistry and EPR spectroscopy techniques, they will determine the effect of oxidation state on the electronic structure and reactivity of these metal ions, and determine the design strategies required to go beyond the state-of-the-art.

Experience in the handling of air and moisture sensitive coordination and organometallic complexes, as well as in conducting air-free synthetic chemistry using both Schlenk line and glovebox techniques is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be based in the group of Dr Conrad Goodwin alongside a postdoctoral research associate working on the same larger ERC project with the student. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and working across multiple research teams, so excellent communication and organisational skills are required.

Informal enquires about the position are welcome to conrad.goodwin@manchester.ac.uk, and you can learn more about the Goodwin Group at www.capgoodwin.com.

Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application. The cover letter should describe your research interests and motivation for the proposed project in a short paragraph. Please see the application process at: www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

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