About the Project
Applications are invited for a fully-funded postgraduate studentship to work on synthetic f-element chemistry in the research group of Professor Steve Liddle. The position is available from September 2017.
The PhD could be on metal-ligand multiple bonding, small molecule activation, and/or single molecule magnetism as agreed between Prof. Liddle and the successful candidate. For representative publications on research that the Liddle group does see: Nature Chemistry, 2015, 7, 582; Nature Chemistry, 2013, 5, 482; Nature Communications, 2013, 4:2323; Science, 2012, 337, 717; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012, 109, 9265; Nature Chemistry, 2011, 3, 454.
Candidates should be motivated, dedicated and ambitious researchers with excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills. The ability to work independently as well as in a medium-sized research team (ca 15 researchers) is essential. You will be trained to handle air- and moisture-sensitive compounds routinely, using Schlenk line and Glove-Box techniques, and you will prepare and characterise new organometallic/coordination compounds using a range of techniques, including: X-ray crystallography, NMR, EPR, IR, Raman, UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopies, cyclic voltammetry, magnetism, and computational calculations. There may be opportunities to gain hands-on experience of working with neptunium and plutonium in the Centre for Radiochemistry Research at Manchester as well as undertaking specialist spectroscopic measurements at UK and EU collaborator institutions.
Qualification
The successful candidate should hold, or expect to receive, a 2(i) or first class Honours degree in chemistry (or equivalent), and prior experience of f-element chemistry and/or handling air- and moisture-sensitive compounds is advantageous but not essential.
Contact for further Information
Please contact Professor Steve Liddle (Email - [Email Address Removed]) for further information. Applicants should provide details of their qualifications, including a CV, contact details of two referees and a personal statement. A formal application must be submitted to be considered.