Defining the Electronic Structures of (Hetero)Metallocene Anions – He-MAn

A Leverhulme Trust-sponsored PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious scientist to undertake research in the field of physical f-element chemistry. As part of a multidisciplinary team the successful candidate will perform physical measurements and calculations on (hetero)metallocene anions. The physical properties of these complexes will predominantly be determined by SQUID magnetometry and EPR spectroscopy, supported by ab initio calculations.

For publications relevant to the project see: Nature Chemistry, 2021, 13, 243, and Eur. J. Inorg. Chem., 2022, e202101063.

Experience in the measurement of paramagnetic compounds by SQUID magnetometry and/or EPR spectroscopy and performing simulations and calculations are all desirable, although full training will be provided. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and working across multiple research teams, so excellent communication and organisational skills are required.

The successful candidate will be based in the groups of Prof. Nicholas Chilton and Dr Meagan Oakley, and will be co-supervised by Prof. David Mills. A postdoctoral research associate on the same project based in the Mills group will synthesise the highly air- and moisture-sensitive compounds and will provide samples for analysis.

Informal enquires about the position are welcome to [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].

Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application. The cover letter should describe your research interests and motivation for the proposed project in a short paragraph. Please see the application process at: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded by the Leverhulme Trust and open to UK applicants. The successful applicant will receive tuition fees and an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI (£19,237 for 2024/25).

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) 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 [email protected].

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).

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