PhD Studentship: Solid-Supported Chalcogen Bonding Catalysis

Solid-Supported Chalcogen Bonding Catalysis

A 3.5 year fully-funded PhD position is available in the group of Dr Mark Greenhalgh at the University of Warwick, in collaboration with GoldenKeys High-Tech Materials Co. Ltd., China. The position will remain open until filled, so please get in touch at your earliest convenience.

Background: Chalcogen bonding is an unconventional non-covalent interaction between Lewis acidic chalcogen-containing molecules (typically S, Se and Te) and Lewis bases. The strength of this interaction can be modulated by using heavier chalcogens and/or through substitution with stronger electron-withdrawing groups. The tunability and orthogonal selectivity of chalcogen bonding relative to conventional non-covalent interactions has led to its increasing use in a range of fields, including catalysis. Current state-of-the-art catalysts benefit from high activity and stability, however their syntheses can be challenging and the catalysts are neither recovered nor recycled, imposing a significant barrier to their wider adoption.

The Project: This PhD studentship will address the current limitations of chalcogen bonding catalysis by developing heterogenized catalysts, supported on materials developed by GoldenKeys. The solid-supported catalysts will be applied in a range of transformations for the synthesis of small molecules of biological and commercial interest. The stability and recyclability of the catalysts will be assessed in both batch and flow processes to showcase the potential benefits of using these catalysts and facilitate their adoption by the wider synthetic community.

Training: The successful candidate will join a small enthusiastic team that provides a collaborative and supportive environment (View website). Regular group meetings and problem sessions are used to promote teamwork, problem solving and the development of wider knowledge and skill set. This project will provide specialised training in synthesis, reaction development and monitoring, analytical determination of structure of both small molecules and materials, and the use of flow technologies. The student will be trained in the dissemination of research output through writing scientific papers/patents and presenting at conferences. As part of this project, the student will spend some time working at GoldenKeys state-of-the-art research site in Guizhou province, China. This will provide valuable experience of working in industry and understanding working practices in different cultures.

Candidate Requirements: Good degree (2.1 or 1^st class) in Chemistry. Must be willing to work independently and as part of a team. The project will suit a candidate who has an interest in synthesis and catalysis. Most importantly, the candidate must be motivated, enthusiastic and keen to learn new skills. As time will be spent at GoldenKeys in China, the project will suit a student who enjoys travel and experiencing new cultures.

How to Apply: In the first instance, contact Dr Mark Greenhalgh to express your interest. Please include your CV and current/predicted grades: mark.greenhalgh@warwick.ac.uk

The position will remain open until filled so please get in touch as early as possible.

Formal applications should then be made using the University of Warwick’s online application process: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/chemistry/admissions/postgraduateresearch/

Funding Notes: The studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years and covers tuition fees and an annual stipend in line with the UKRI Doctoral Stipend rate for a candidate satisfying UKRI UK residency criteria (View website). Overseas candidates would need to find additional funding for the full Band 2 Postgraduate Research fees (View website). For any overseas candidates interested in this position, please include your plans to provide this additional funding in your initial communication.

Advert information