Start Date: 16 September 2013
Closing Date: 8 February 2013
Supervisor: Dr David P Mills
A fully funded PhD studentship is available starting in September 2013. The project is supervised by Dr David Mills and will be hosted by the School of Chemistry at the University of Manchester.
The main aim of this project is to develop our understanding of the fundamental organometallic chemistry of thorium. The project focuses on the synthesis and further reactivity of novel actinide complexes and as such the student must have a keen interest in synthetic chemistry.
The successful applicant will employ advanced Schlenk and glovebox techniques to prepare air- and moisture-sensitive organometallic complexes, which will be characterised by a host of techniques. The structure and bonding of these complexes will be analysed and their reactivity probed to evaluate their applicability in small molecule activation, catalysis and materials chemistry.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a new and dynamic research group and explore an exciting frontier of the periodic table. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and self-motivated and will benefit from bespoke supervision and training by working closely with the principal investigator.
Qualifications
Applicants should have or expect to get (by the end of the academic year 2012/13) a good (I or II(i)) honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry. Prior experience of air-sensitive chemistry employing Schlenk and glovebox techniques is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided during the PhD.
Funding
Funding is for 42 months, with a tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate (£13,590 for 2013/14). Eligibility is restricted to UK/EU applicants with 3 years residency in the UK.
Contact
Interested candidates should make informal enquiries to David Mills:
David.Mills@nottingham.ac.uk
Please include a C.V. and the names of two academic referees.
How to apply:
Please submit an online application using the Apply link below: