Funding is available for only one student due to start between Sept 2012 - March 2013
Non-covalent interactions are fundamental aspects of almost all chemical and biological processes. Solvent effects coupled with the precise positioning of interacting functional groups may be essential for the astonishing ligand binding affinities observed in biology. However, previous experimental studies concerning the influence of dispersion interactions, solvent shape and geometric positioning of interacting functional groups have been particularly limited. The aim here is to design and synthesise a new class of folding molecules for quantifying the effects of these variables on non-covalent interactions.
The student will receive training in a range of modern experimental and analytical techniques associated with physical organic chemistry including:
• organic synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography
• theoretical background in molecular recognition
• quantitative structure activity relationships, computational modelling.
There is also the option to explore DNA-based molecular machines
Interfacing biological and synthetic components provides opportunities for the creation of molecular devices with applications in nanotechnology. The Cockroft group are developing single-molecule methods for constructing membrane-bound DNA and protein-based supramolecular devices.
For further information on the scope of research, please visit:
http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/scockrof/research.php
Funding Notes:
Previous research experience in synthetic chemistry is required for Physical Organic Chemistry. Applicants must be in possession of (or expecting to obtain) a first class or upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or other cognate discipline before the start of the PhD. Applicants MUST be either be EU, or UK nationals who have been resident in the UK for the past three years, OR be an exceptional EU national ranked within the top 5% of their class.
Please include a brief description of previous research experience, and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees.
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 Results