EPSRC Oxford Centre for Doctoral Training in Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing (OxICFM)

The Oxford Inorganic Chemistry for Future Manufacturing Centre for Doctoral Training (OxICFM CDT) is a £10.4m EPSRC-funded centre that trains the next generation of scientists in the synthesis of inorganic molecules and materials. Our first cohort of students commenced their training in October 2019. Further cohorts will be recruited annually to start in each of the years 2020-2023.

Applications are sought from outstanding post-graduate candidates for up to fourteen fully-funded four-year studentships available commencing in October 2023. Prospective students are sought with an interest in inorganic synthesis across the breadth of molecular and materials chemistry. Applications from female and minority candidates are encouraged.

About us

OxICFM is centred in the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry, and integrates faculty from the Departments of Materials, Physics and Engineering, both in its training programme and collaborative projects. The CDT brings together over forty academics, twelve industrial partners, and seventeen international centres of excellence in synthetic inorganic chemistry.

OxICFM offers a four-year programme providing a broad training across inorganic synthesis at different length scales (molecular, nano-scale and extended solids), together with in-depth research-based training in one area. The involvement of twelve diverse industrial partners allows for training that is relevant to a range of different business sectors and sizes.

Key components of the course include:

• Modular taught courses in the first half of year 1 featuring integrated industry/academic components to promote a holistic understanding of topics ranging from fundamental concepts to the delivery of a chemical product
• A four-week advanced laboratory course including hands-on experience of industrial scale up
• A 42-month substantive research project in cutting-edge synthetic inorganic chemistry chosen by students from an annual list of approximately 30 projects
• A 3-month research internship at one of our industrial partners or international centres of excellence
• Integrated professional skills, responsible research and innovation (RRI) and outreach training throughout the 4-year course

Entry requirements and student selection

We are anticipating a large number of applicants for our course - a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in a relevant chemical sciences subject is the minimum entry requirement. Applications are via the University of Oxford’s online graduate admissions portal.

You will be required to submit:

• An up-to-date CV or resumé
• A 1000-word statement of purpose including your 1-2-3 choice of substantive research project chosen from the list available of the OxICFM website.
• Transcripts detailing your university-level qualifications and marks to date
• Three academic/professional references

Applications for 2023 entry are now open. Please visit our website for information on our Open Days and how to apply.

Contact us

Further information about OxICFM can be found on our website, including details of the application procedure. Informal enquiries are welcomed (admin@oxicfm.ox.ac.uk).

Connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter: @OxICFM