Dr B Ladewig
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Separations are a particularly energy intensive process. They form the basis of many major industries, being key to the production of energy, minerals, food, and medicine amongst others. The efficiency of a membrane separation process is governed by two key factors – the selectivity for a target molecule from a complex matrix, and the speed at which it may be separated.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the enantiomeric purity of a drug molecule is paramount. The case of Thalidomide is a famous example of the importance of separating enantiomers. The separation of enantiomers form one another is a particular challenge, because the shape and chemistry of the two molecules can often be similar.
Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are an exciting class of ultraporous materials. Consisting of metal atoms or clusters joined periodically by organic linker units, they exhibit internal surface areas of several thousand square metres per gram. Recent developments have indicated that it is possible to construct MOFs from chiral organic linkers, leading to chiral channels within the matrix.
This project seeks to explore whether it is possible to develop MOFs with the right chiral porosity for use in separation processes. Their unique structure offers the potential to develop a highly energy efficient process that could offer a new route to increasing access to medicines. The successful applicant will assess the target separation, develop the MOF that can give the most specific interaction, and then build a separation process to test it. Opportunities to interact with industry will be provided.
The research teams:
The project will be co-supervised by Dr Bradley Ladewig of Imperial College and Dr Matthew Hill of the CSIRO in Australia. They have an existing collaboration that has already yielded several high impact publications in the separations field. As young researchers, they lead energetic teams who provide an exciting environment for student to develop skills.
The position:
The project is supported by a special collaboration between Imperial College and the CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency. This competitive funding is provided to allow for a joint research project, with support to travel to CSIRO’s new laboratories in Melbourne, as the project requires. It represents an incredible opportunity for a student who is able to utilise the best of the complementary research groups.
How to apply:
• Applications should be made through the College’s online application system. Please make sure that you upload your full university transcripts, English test result sheet (if applicable), a short personal statement and reference information. You will be issued with a College ID number after your application has been submitted online.
• Please email the Postgraduate Administrator ([Email Address Removed]) with the following information: Name, College ID and date of application. Please include “Imperial-CSIRO scholarships” in the subject title.
Contact:
For further information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Ladewig: [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
The standard period of the scholarship is 42 months. The scholarship is open to all EU nationals and covers both tuition fees and an annual tax-free contribution to maintenance costs of approximately £15,500.
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