PhD Studentship: Investigating Biocompatible Polymers for Crystallisation-driven Self-assembly

A fully funded PhD studentship (UK tuition fees) is available in the group of Dr Arno at the University of Birmingham (group website: https://arnolab.com) in areas of polymer chemistry with an emphasis on the development of a new range of polymers for applications in materials chemistry and nanotechnology. The project will focus on the design of new polymers that can be used to build nanoparticles through a crystallisation-driven self-assembly methodology. The project will involve research in some of the key areas that the group are interested:

• Development of polymers that can undergo post polymerisation modifications
• Understanding the key factors underlying polymer self-assembly
• Investigating potential applications of the materials prepared through this route

The project can be flexibly adapted towards the student’s interests and presents elements of fundamental research as well as a clear focus on an applied goal. Together with polymer synthesis and self-assembly, the project will involve elements of mammalian cell culture and material properties characterisation (such as rheology and mechanical testing) for which appropriate training will be provided. The work will be mainly conducted in the School of Chemistry in the recently open Molecular Science Building with full access to the state-of-the-art facilities of the department.

This studentship is fully funded for 42 months and covers UK rate PhD salary and home tuition fees. The successful applicant should possess a good (1st or 2.1 UK or equivalent) degree in chemistry.

Informal enquires can be directed to Dr Arno (m.c.arno@bham.ac.uk) and should include a CV.

Training:

This project offers the opportunity to receive a unique multidisciplinary training in a variety of techniques, spanning the fields of polymer synthesis, self-assembly, material chemistry, and biology. The student will receive in-depth training in a wide range of standard and advanced synthetic polymer chemistry techniques, nanoparticle characterisation techniques (such as transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy), material properties analysis, and mammalian cell culture. The student will also receive training in a diverse array of analytical techniques including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy.

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