Exploring crystallisation ‘chaperones’ for single crystal structure determination of trace or difficult to crystallise samples

Supervisory Team: Professor Simon Coles

Structure determination by diffraction requires an appropriate quality crystal, which is challenging for certain compounds or minute quantities of material. Co-crystallising with a second component with the propensity to partner with other molecules, can address this and will be applied to characterisation of metabolites and trace impurities in manufacturing agrichemicals. 

Comprehensive training in crystallographic techniques, including single crystal X-ray and electron diffraction methods. Complementary training in a suite of analytical chemistry methods, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and NMR. There will be opportunity to attend summer schools in these fields. 

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: The funding is coming from Syngenta R & D and the University of Southampton Doctoral Landscape Award 

How To Apply

Apply online:  Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Professor Simon Coles

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The School of Chemistry is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.