Research Fellow - Synthesis Endofullerenes and Their Metal Salts

Location: Highfield Campus

Fixed Term for 30 months

You will join an international collaboration looking at the synthesis and properties of metal salts of endohedral fullerenes (denoted A@C60 where A is a molecule or atom enclosed within a C60 cage). You will be based at the University of Southampton, one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities. Chemistry at Southampton has a national and international reputation for excellence with world-leading facilities.

Metal salts of fullerenes such as Rb3C60 are high temperature superconductors. In this project we will prepare salts of endohedral fullerenes such as Rb3(H2O@C60) to both use the endohedral species to probe the mechanism of superconductivity and to investigate how the endohedral species affect the onset and properties of the superconducting phase as well as other semiconducting and insulating phases. 

You will use a series of organic reactions to open a hole in a fullerene cage, insert a small molecule or atom, and reform the original cage (termed ‘molecular surgery’) for example to make a C60 cage containing a water molecule denoted H2O@C60. We have recently developed ways to enclose larger molecules and atoms (such as Ar, Kr, CH2O, CH4, CH3F, NO and CO) within a C60 cage which we expect to influence the onset of superconductivity. The endohedral fullerenes will then be converted to highly air sensitive metal salts such as Rb3(H2O@C60) and investigated (in collaboration with a second PDRA on the project) using a wide variety of physical techniques both locally and in a number of laboratories and facilities worldwide. 

Outstanding skills in practical synthetic organic chemistry and the handling and characterisation of air sensitive materials, together with an enthusiasm for the project area and a strong interest in working as part of a collaborative and cross-disciplinary team are required. You are expected to have an excellent work ethic and commitment to achieve the project aims, as well as the ability to manage your time to deliver the required results. You will also be involved in general running and maintenance of the laboratory and are expected to adhere to our strict safety standards.  

For informal enquiries contact Prof. Richard Whitby <rjw1@soton.ac.uk>

At the University of Southampton, we value diversity and equality. The University recognises that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance. Due consideration will also be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. Both the University of Southampton and Chemistry are proud to hold Athena Swan Silver Awards.

*Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Closing Date: Tuesday 25 March 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

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