Dr A Ariafard
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Project Description
The University of Tasmania has a long and distinguished history of innovation and research excellence.
Building on our distinctive island environment and intellectual capacity to solve global challenges, we have cemented a position within the top 2% of research institutions worldwide.
The College of Science and Engineering, School of Physical Sciences is offering a 3-year fully funded PhD scholarship for an Honours or equivalent graduate in Chemistry.
This scholarship provides $27,082 per annum (2018 rate) living allowance for 3 years, with a possible 6 month extension.
We recently reported that the reactivity of the gold complexes can be extended well beyond direct π-activation. We found that the gold complexes are indeed able to generate electrophiles that are more reactive toward π-activation than a gold complex itself (see: Organometallics 2017, 36, 2014; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016, 138, 14599; Chem. Commun. 2016, 52, 9422; Organometallics
2014, 33, 7318; ACS Catal 2014, 4 , 2896).
This project utilises density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the mechanism of catalytic reactions in which a gold complex serves as a source for generating strong electrophiles capable of promoting reactions such as hydrofunctionalization of olefins.
The following eligibility criteria apply to this scholarship:
* The scholarship is open to domestic (Australian and New Zealand) and international candidates;
* The degree must be undertaken on a full-time basis;
* Applicants must already have been awarded a First Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector;
*Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.
*Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Funding Notes
Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include:
*Applied Statistics
*Programnming Skills
Funding Notes
Applicants should contact Dr Alireza Ariafard ([Email Address Removed]) for more information and to discuss their suitability for the project. For additional application information applicants should follow instructions on the Apply Now (http://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/apply-now ) website.