PhD Studentship: Self-Sorting Hydrogen-Bonding Motifs for Synthesis and Reconfigurable Materials

A hallmark of nature is the ability to assemble multiple functional materials in defined locations and at specific times. Such assemblies modulate complex adaptive networks that control biological processes e.g. intracellular signaling cascades. In a generalized signaling cascade, multiple molecular recognition events happen simultaneously AND sequentially, requiring individual components to interact selectively with one partner at one point during a cascade and then with another partner at a different point in the process. Supramolecular chemistry has identified recognition motifs that are capable of self-sorting, but biomimetic reproduction of the functions which self-sorting enables is underdeveloped. This PhD studentship will exploit recently developed hydrogen-bonded self-sorting systems[1,2], to introduce a conceptually transformative contribution to synthetic chemistry: the development of self-sorting networks which carry out synthesis and by virtue of their modularity can readily be (re)configured to result in different synthetic outcomes. Key underpinning developments needed to achieve these goals will include the development of an expanded self-sorting toolkit and advanced analytical methods (such as our recently developed 1H-15N HMQC NMR experiment for direct detection of hydrogen-bonds[3] to characterize mixtures of supramolecular complexes. Opportunities to use self-sorting motifs within the context of reconfigurable supramolecular materials[4-6] may also be explored.

You will join a vibrant, diverse and group of researchers to gain skills and knowledge in supramolecular chemistry in its broadest sense, and, participate in our wider collaborative research.
Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate has accepted an offer. Applicants should contact Prof Andy Wilson (a.j.wilson.1@bham.ac.uk) for informal inquiries, and before applying (with a CV and cover letter summarizing your research interests and previous experience).

How to apply for this project, applications will be considered on an ongoing basis from 22/02/2023 until suitable candidate(s) have accepted an offer. Applicants should contact Prof Andy Wilson (a.j.wilson.1@bham.ac.uk) for informal inquiries, and before applying (with a CV and cover letter summarising your research interests and previous experience). Formal applications should be made through the University of Birmingham’s online application system.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements.

References:
1. H. M. Coubrough, S. C. C. van der Lubbe, K. Hetherington, A. Minard, C. Pask, M. J. Howard, C. Fonseca Guerra and A. J. Wilson, Chem. Eur. J., 2019, 25, 785-795.
2. M. L. Pellizzaro, K. A. Houton and A. J. Wilson, Chem. Sci., 2013, 4, 1825-1829.
3. M. A. Jinks, M. Howard, F. Rizzi, S. M. Goldup, A. D. Burnett and A. J. Wilson, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 23127-23133.
4. K. A. Houton, G. M. Burslem and A. J. Wilson, Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 2382-2388.
5. A. Gooch, N. S. Murphy, N. H. Thomson and A. J. Wilson, Macromolecules, 2013, 46, 9634-9641.
6. A. Gooch, C. Nedolisa, K. A. Houton, C. I. Lindsay, A. Saiani and A. J. Wilson, Macromolecules, 2012, 45, 4723-4729.

Advert information