Perylene diimide dyes for sensing & bioimaging

This is a PhD position joint between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM – Berlin).

We are seeking candidates for a PhD research project in synthetic supramolecular chemistry, photophysics and optical sensing, to develop smart optical reporters for environmental sensing & bioimaging. The primary supervisor is Dr Timothy Barendt (University of Birmingham) and the secondary supervisor is Dr Ute Resch-Genger (Federal Institute for Materials Research & Testing - Berlin).

The project aim is to develop perylene diimides as optical reporters for environmental sensing and bioimaging. The candidate will develop novel dyes exhibiting switchable aggregation properties for detecting bioanalytically relevant targets. Furthermore, the supramolecular chemistry of perylene diimides will be exploited for sensing environmentally relevant pollutants. The researcher will develop skills in molecular synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and photophysics.

• This is a PhD for 3.5 years (stipend and tuition fees covered), to be awarded by the University of Birmingham.

• The candidate will work at both Birmingham and BAM in Berlin, joining the research teams of Barendt (https://tab-lab.org/) and Resch-Genger (https://tinyurl.com/2p887suw), respectively.

• This position is open to students from Germany and the UK only. A Master’s level degree in Chemistry or a comparable degree is required.

• To apply, please contact Tim Barendt ([Email Address Removed]) or Ute Resch-Genger ([Email Address Removed]). Also, please get in contact with us for more information

• Please apply as soon as possible, the position will be filled when we find a strong candidate.

Funding notes:

This is a fully funded PhD for 3.5 years (both stipend and tuition fees covered), to be awarded by the University of Birmingham.

References:

Project relevant publications:

Barendt et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 349

L. Biesen et al., Chemistry Eur. J. 2021, 27, 13426