A PhD studentship is available in the group of Dr Jennifer Garden (School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh; https://www.gardengroupchemistry.com).
Project Summary:
The project aims to develop new block copolymers derived from bio-based monomers. This provides an exciting opportunity to establish a new suite of sustainable materials with wide-ranging applications. You will be provided with high level training across a range of areas including air-sensitive organometallic synthesis and characterisation (e.g. the use of Schlenk techniques, gloveboxes and NMR spectroscopy), polymer synthesis and materials characterisation (e.g. SEC, mass spectrometry and DSC).
Candidates:
The successful candidate should hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2.1 MSci degree or equivalent, and will be motivated, enthusiastic and able to work independently. Ideal candidates will have some experience in organometallic synthesis, homogeneous catalysis or polymer chemistry. Experience in obtaining and analysing characterisation data on novel compounds is also desirable.
How to Apply:
Applications can be made by contacting Jennifer Garden ([Email Address Removed]). Please include a cover letter, CV and contact details for two referees. Interested candidates are welcome to email any questions directly to Dr Jennifer Garden.
Applications for the position will remain open until 5th January 2022, however the position may be filled before this for a suitable candidate. Therefore, early application is encouraged.
Related Work from the Garden Group:
In Situ Versus Isolated Zinc Catalysts in the Selective Synthesis of Homo and Multi-block Polyesters, W. Gruszka, L. C. Walker, M. P. Shaver and J. A. Garden, Macromolecules, 2020, 53, 11, 4294.
Combining alkali metals and zinc to harness heterometallic cooperativity in cyclic ester ring-opening polymerisation, W. Gruszka, A. Lykkeberg, G. S. Nichol, M. P. Shaver, A. Buchard and J. A. Garden, Chem. Sci., 2020, 11, 11785.
Cooperative Heterometallic Catalysts for Lactide Ring-Opening Polymerization: Combining Aluminum with Divalent Metals, A. J. Gaston, Z. Greindl, C. A. Morrison, and J. A. Garden, Inorg. Chem., 2021, 60, 4, 2294.
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
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