PhD Studentship: Pulsed EPR to Study Electronic Structures in f-Block Complexes

Department: Chemistry
Title: Pulsed EPR to Study Electronic Structures in f-Block Complexes
Application deadline: 11/04/2025
Research theme: fundamental science
How tom apply: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

How many projects: 1 

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and open to home students and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will received an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. 

An EPSRC DTG-sponsored PhD studentship is available to undertake research in the field of f-element complex EPR spectroscopy in a collaborative project between three research groups at Manchester Chemistry. 

There is much current interest in characterising the nature of metal-ligand bonds in f-element complexes involving, for example, unusual oxidation states, bonding modes and magnetic properties. Further understanding is needed. In this project we will study a systematic family lanthanide and actinide complexes. The ligands have been designed to contain several non-zero spin nuclei that will give detailed information on spin delocalisation via EPR methods, and to give redox activity hence access to multiple oxidation states. The successful candidate will receive training in continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopies, electronic structure calculations and handling of air-sensitive and radioactive materials, depending on the student and the course of the project. 

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. 

Informal enquires about the position are welcome to eric.mcinnes@manchester.ac.uk, richard.winpenny@manchester.ac.uk or conrad.goodwin@manchester.ac.uk 

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.

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