Funded PhD Opportunity in the Application of Flow Chemistry Techniques to Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis

We are recruiting a PhD student for a collaborative project between the research groups of Dr Tom Hooper and Dr Marcus Baumann in the School of Chemistry at University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland. The project will focus on the application of flow chemistry techniques to inorganic synthesis and catalysis. This 4-year PhD studentship is to start on the 1st of September 2023 (although some flexibility is possible) and is funded by the Sir Walter Hartley Scholarship scheme from the UCD School of Chemistry.

Background

The advantages of flow chemistry are becoming increasingly appreciated by organic chemists and these flow techniques are now embedded in many organic synthetic processes.¹ Benefits such as ready scale-up, enhanced mixing, efficient heat transfer, effective photochemical reactions mean flow chemistry is being adopted by organic chemists, even those with little experience of flow reactions. The same benefits are also applicable to inorganic synthesis, but the use flow techniques in inorganic chemistry is much less common. The closed nature of the flow process makes it ideal for the synthesis of air- and moisture-sensitive compounds and catalytic processes requiring inert conditions.

Project

We aim to exploit the advantages of flow chemistry to synthesise and scale-up the preparation of reactive main-group species. We will explore the benefits and limitations of flow chemistry in inorganic synthesis and investigate its application to catalytic reactions including photochemical processes and the use of gaseous reagents. The successful applicant will receive training in bench inorganic and organic synthetic techniques (including air sensitive chemistry) and in flow chemistry. Analysis of the reactions and products will typically be by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and reaction kinetics studies.

Details

Applications are welcome from students with, or expecting to gain, a degree in Chemistry at first class hons or 2:1 grade (or equivalent). In particular, candidates with experience in organic/inorganic synthesis are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to have excellent communication skills (oral and writing). This position will be filled once the suitable candidate has been identified so early applications are advised. Interviews will be held either in-person or by Zoom or Skype as appropriate.

A scholarship of stipend €18,500 per annum is available for up to 4 years for the successful applicant via funding from the UCD School of Chemistry Research Demonstratorship scheme. Fees will also be covered by the scholarship. There will be a requirement to teach in undergraduate laboratories and tutorials (144 h per year) as part of the scholarship. Find out more about studying at UCD here: https://www.ucd.ie/global/ and here https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/

How to Apply

Applications should include a short cover letter, CV and the contact details for at least two academic referees and should be sent by email to Dr Tom Hooper ([Email Address Removed]) no later than 2nd of August 2023. Informal enquiries are also welcome to the same address. We reserve the right to close the application window early if a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are advised.

This opportunity is available to students from EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland.

UCD supports equal opportunities and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, disability or membership of the traveller community