PhD Studentship: Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Medical Imaging Applications

Project title: Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Medical Imaging Applications  

Supervisory Team: Andrew Hector and David Smith

Project description

We seek a student with an interest in synthetic inorganic materials chemistry for a project to produce and characterise a new group of nanomaterials. The project is an opportunity to develop a broad range of experimental and data analysis skills in an active materials group in Southampton, at the premises of the industry partner and in a national central facilities laboratory.

High entropy alloys are solid solutions of several metals and hold tremendous potential for catalysis, energy storage, and biomedical applications. For example, see https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.0c03617 for an account of synthesis and properties from a catalysis perspective. Partnering with Platina Biomed, this project will use a range of typical inorganic materials synthesis methods to produce nanoparticles of these materials at a size scale useful for medical imaging technologies. The project combines synthesis with detailed in-house characterisation using the excellent diffraction and microscopy facilities available in the School of Chemistry. In addition, there will be opportunities for the student to undertake magnetic measurements on the materials at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. The project is funded by a CASE award for 3.5 years for UK applicants with a first class or 2.1 degree in chemistry or a closely related subject.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Andrew Hector, Email: A.L.Hector@soton.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

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

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £18,622 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Andrew Hector

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.

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