Self-Assembly of Biologically Inspired Functional Materials

A fully funded PhD Studentship is available in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde under the supervision of Professor Tell Tuttle.

Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a strong MSc or BSc(Hons) degree in chemistry, physics or a related subject. The position will be of particular interest to students with a background in modelling obtained either through industrial placement or as part of their undergraduate research project. However, specific expertise is less critical than a desire to learn and innovate.

Research in the TuttleLab is focused on the concept of reducing molecular search spaces. The reduction of molecular search spaces involves the use of computational methodology to inform, focus and drive the direction of molecular research. The group works in close collaboration with experimental colleagues to ensure the results from our design work are able to be directly implemented in a practical laboratory. The process of reducing molecular search spaces involves three phases: (1) rationalising and understanding existing systems; (2) isolating the governing molecular processes; and (3) predicting new systems with enhanced/desirable properties and reactivities. A variety of different methods are used in pursuit of this goal, including ab initio, DFT, semi-empirical, MM, coarse grain and hybrid QM/MM methodologies.

This studentship is available starting as soon as possible and up to October 2018. The project will focus on the development of new peptide based materials through self-assembly. Designing functional soft materials that have applicability in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. For recent research from the group in this area see: http://tuttlelab.com/research/nanoscale-structures/

Please submit your application by e-mail to Prof. Tell Tuttle ([Email Address Removed]), which should include:

• Cover letter, detailing your experience and motivation for PhD studies
• CV with two referees details included
• Full transcripts from your undergraduate degree