Applications are invited for a 3.5-year (42 month) PhD studentship entitled “Low-oxidation state aluminium chemistry: carbon-carbon bond forming reaction” based in the Cowley group supervised by Dr Michael Cowley, and co-supervised by Prof. Neil Robertson, at the EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh. The project is to be carried out in collaboration with Lubrizol.
This project will focus on the design, synthesis, and reactivity of Al(I) systems that are designed to mediate C–C bond forming reactions. A key goal of the project is to develop and advance understanding of ‘turnover’ inducing reduction reactions of higher oxidation state Al compounds.
The project will build on previous work in the Cowley group, which has explored the fundamental reactivity of low-oxidation state aluminium compounds and developed new Al-catalysed reactions. (see for example: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2021, 60, 24702-24708; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2021, 60, 2047-2052; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2021, 60, 20672-20677). You are encouraged to contact Dr Michael Cowley to discuss the planned chemistry in greater detail before applying.
The Cowley group focuses on low-oxidation or low-coordinate main-group chemistry, with a particular emphasis on compounds with unusual bonding or reactivity such as reductive elimination chemistry. Besides aluminium chemistry, we also specialise in the chemistry of phosphorus and boron (e.g. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 14065-14070) and silicon (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2019, 58, 1329–1333). The Cowley group is committed to being an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports all individuals. We value tolerance, team-work, integrity, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.
Should you undertake this project, you will receive training in a wide variety of techniques. Synthesis of a wide range of main-group and organic compounds, frequently under inert atmosphere, will be required. Multinuclear NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, and X-ray crystallography will also be central techniques. The practical skills you will gain will be complemented by the scientific problem solving and presentation skills that you will develop in regular group meetings and through working closely with our industrial collaborator Lubrizol. You will have opportunities to present your work at suitable national and/or international conferences.
You should possess a recent chemistry degree (first class or 2(i), or equivalent). You will need to demonstrate a strong interest in main-group and/or organometallic chemistry. You should have some experience of inorganic and/or organic synthesis (or a closely related area), and excellent written and oral communication skills. Previous experience in the preparation and manipulation of air- and moisture-sensitive compounds, is highly desirable, but emphatically not a prerequisite.
Applications
Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged and should be addressed to Dr Michael Cowley ([Email Address Removed]). To apply, please send a covering letter outlining your previous research experience and reasons for applying, together with an up-to-date CV with details of two referees to [Email Address Removed]. The position will remain open until filled.
Equality and Diversity
The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives website for further information. University Initiatives website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly