A fully funded PhD studentship is available for a highly motivated, outstanding chemist with a passion for inorganic synthesis and spectroscopy.
Heavy pnictogen compounds have received considerable attention in recent years as competent reagents for two-electron redox chemistry and the activation of small molecules. In comparison, the area of heavy main-group radical compounds remains relatively underdeveloped. Their electronic structures are typically affected by strong spin-orbit coupling effects, leading to fascinating spectroscopic features and reactivities. The capability of heavy main-group elements to stabilise open-shell fragments in their vicinity remains equally underexplored but holds great promise for the development of atom-transfer reactions with small molecules.
In this PhD project, we aim to access open-shell main-group species either by redox reactions (authentic main-group radicals) or via the formation of open-shell fragments (carbenes, nitrenes and higher homologues) in their direct vicinity. The electronic structures of the synthesised compounds will be elucidated by spectroscopy, and reactivity studies towards small molecules will be conducted. This will require the appointed student to undertake inorganic synthesis (Schlenk and glovebox techniques), followed by characterisation using a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV/vis, EPR, SQUID, XAS and scXRD). The focus at the start of the project will be on bismuth chemistry, but extension towards other heavy elements, e.g., antimony, tin, lead, indium or thallium, will be targeted based on the results obtained.
In addition to training in the above techniques, the student will receive training in scientific writing, oral and poster presentations, lab management, lab safety and other transferable skills. The student will benefit from co-supervision by experts in inorganic synthesis and magnetism. The project offers opportunities for publication in leading international journals, presentation of results at national and international conferences, and collaboration with researchers across the UK and Europe.
This project is expected to start in late September / early October 2027.
Eligibility
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First Class or high Upper Second Class degree in Chemistry or a closely related discipline. Prior experience with synthetic chemistry under inert conditions is essential, while experience in spectroscopy of paramagnetic compounds is advantageous but not required.
Funding
This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2027.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
How to apply
Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425
When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.
Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:
- Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
- Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
- CV
- Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
- Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
- English Language certificate (if applicable)
If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2027.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
