Back to search results

PhD Studentship: Towards Ultra-Sensitive Ion Detection: Molecular Electronic Devices as Metal Cation Sensors

Manchester Metropolitan University

Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Manchester
Funding for: UK Students, EU Students, International Students
Funding amount: £19,237 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 19th September 2024
Closes: 14th October 2024
Reference: 115151-16

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship for research at the interface between chemistry and nanotechnology at the Manchester Metropolitan University is available. The project will use a novel approach to develop ultra-sensitive sensors by combining supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics.

These sensors will be based on host-guest interactions, which is when a suitable molecule (the host) can bind to a specific guest molecule. The host molecule will be designed to have a high conductance, and the guest molecule will be a metal cation. When the guest molecule binds to the host molecule, the conductance of the host molecule will change. This change in conductance can be used to detect the presence of the different guests.

In this project, you will design, synthesise, and test host molecules that will preferentially bind to different cationic species. You will also measure their charge transport properties at the single-molecule level, and develop analytical methodologies aimed at their quantification.

Project aims and objectives

The main aim of this project is to develop a new sensing platform based on single-molecule electronics, aimed at the quantification of metal cations. The project will target three research objectives:

  • Synthesise a library of host-guest complexes.
  • Measure the charge transport properties of these complexes under different conditions.
  • Develop a methodology for the quantification of metal cations based on their charge transport properties.

Specific requirements of the candidate

This represents an opportunity to join the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s growing doctoral research community, committed to excellent research with impact. Successful applicants will be active researchers in our new state-of-the-art £117M labs and Dalton Building facilities, and will be supported to develop their skills as independent researchers.

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related subjects. A relevant master’s degree and/or equivalent practical experience will be an advantage. Experience in synthetic chemistry and characterisation techniques such as NMR, UV-Vis and Electrochemistry is desired. Applications are welcome and encouraged from candidates from underrepresented groups.

How to apply

Interested applicants can contact Dr Alvaro Etcheverry-Berrios (A.Etcheverry.Berrios@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Chemistry (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest.

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please note that Home fees are covered. Eligible International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Ion-Detection

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

PhD tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
 
More PhDs from Manchester Metropolitan University

Show all PhDs for this organisation …

More PhDs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge