PhD in Chemistry - Synthesis and development of lanthanide single-molecule magnets

Single-Ion Magnets (SIMs) are monometallic coordination complexes where a carefully designed ligand field generates a large axial magnetic anisotropy. The relationship between structure, magnetic axiality and how the spin system interacts with the local environment is a cutting-edge research problem, which is important for a) the design of high-blocking temperature SIMs, and b) improving relaxation times in molecular quantum bits. This project will build on our recent work in this area (1-5) and involves synthesis (lanthanide coordination chemistry and ligand design) and magnetic measurements using our state-of-the-art MPMS3 SQUID magnetometer. Furthermore, the project will involve collaboration with research partners in the UK, USA and India who provide access to advanced characterisation techniques and computational studies of these systems.

1) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2019, 58, 14146; 2) Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 1533; 3) Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 12037; 4) Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 5950 ; 5) Chem. Commun., 2018, 54, 8273.

More information on our research can be found at:

http://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/staff/markm/

In the first instance applications should be sent to Professor Mark Murrie. These should include a full CV and cover letter.

Formal Applications: please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.

Start-date: 1 October 2021

Eligibility: Applicants should hold (or expect to be awarded) at least an upper-second class Masters or BSc degree in Chemistry.