You will join the research groups of Dr Marco Conte and Dr Robert Dawson to develop new catalytically active porous materials and processes to convert waste biomass into renewable polymer feedstocks. You will design and synthesise polymeric microporous materials with segregated functionalities and then use these materials to perform incompatible catalytic reactions in tandem. You will be trained to use a variety of techniques to characterise both the chemical and physical properties of these materials, and their reaction mixtures, including liquid and solid state NMR, nitrogen gas sorption analysis as well as particle size analysis, heterogeneous catalyst synthesis, kinetic studies and catalyst design. The project may also involve collaborations with external institutions.
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience the breadth of technologies that are used.
The University of Sheffield is committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
The student undertaking this project will have the opportunity to be a University of Sheffield Grantham scholar and to take advantage of the programme of sustainability training offered. The Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures focuses on advancing sustainability research and connecting it with the policy debate around how humans can live in a more sustainable way (grantham.sheffield.ac.uk).
Grantham scholars combine outstanding intellect with a strong commitment to public engagement, leadership and action. These ambitious individuals undertake interdisciplinary PhD research projects to help solve the challenges of sustainability. They will be supported by the Centre through a unique training programme, designed to equip them with the skills to become policy advocates and leaders in sustainability matters.
Further information about Grantham Centre training programme
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply via the link provided and select Dr Dawson and Dr Conte as potential supervisors. Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a 2.1 honours masters level degree in Chemistry or another appropriate subject. Enquiries should include a CV and cover letter outlining: your academic background, any research experience you have and why you are interested in working on this project.
We expect interviews to take place within one calendar month of the application deadline.
All applications should be made via the online application portal:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/
Full details of what to include in your application can be found at the below web link:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/phd/apply
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