Synthesis of Small Molecule Probes for Atmospheric Chemistry Studies

A fully-funded 42-month chemistry PhD studentship is

available for a joint project in the research groups of Drs Miriam O’Duill

(https://oduillgroup.com) and Rabi Chhantyal Pun (https://rcpchem.com) at the

University of Nottingham.

Start date: 2 October 2023 Application deadline: 31 March 2023

The 21st century will see one of the largest changes in the chemical makeup of the atmosphere as countries around the world implement policies to meet the targets of net zero carbon emissions. As the anthropogenic carbon footprint decreases, biogenic emissions from plants are expected to become the main constituent of the lower atmosphere, but the oxidation chemistry and effect on climate of these molecules is not yet clearly understood. The aim of this PhD project is to synthesize small molecule mimics of biogenic emissions and perform photochemical studies to understand their oxidation mechanism.

The organic synthesis will be carried out under the direction of Dr Miriam O’Duill, and photochemical studies will be performed under the direction of Dr Rabi Chhantyal Pun.

The O’Duill group (https://oduillgroup.com/) is based in the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory, and the Chhantyal Pun group (https://rcpchem.com/) is based in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham. During this project you will receive extensive training in organic synthesis, analytical techniques (NMR, mass spec, UV, IR) and laser-based photochemical studies. This studentship will also involve visits to internationally leading research facilities within and outside the UK. You will also have opportunities to present research findings at international conferences.

Applications are invited from UK home students with an interest in organic synthesis and photochemistry. If you are expecting to graduate by summer 2023 with a first class or 2:1 degree in chemistry or natural science specializing in chemistry, we would love to hear from you. Substantial research experience in organic synthesis and analysis will be highly advantageous. Please contact Drs O’Duill ([Email Address Removed]) or Chhantyal Pun ([Email Address Removed]) if you want to know more about the project.

To apply, please:

1. Send your CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter to [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed].

2. Apply to the School of Chemistry https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx, stating Dr Miriam O’Duill and Dr Rabi Chhantyal Pun as the potential supervisors.

Deadline: Review of applications will start on Friday 31st March 2023, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable person has been found; hence you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

International Students: Highly talented international students could be considered for applications submitted before 31^st March 2023. In addition to CV and cover letter, they are required to provide IELTS (6.0), PTS (65) or TOEFL (79) certifications or English language qualifications accepted by University of Nottingham: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/qualitymanual/2-documents/english-language-equivalencies.pdf