EUTOPIA PhD Co-tutelle: Rational Design of Next Generation Chalcogen Bonding Catalysts

A 4-year PhD position is available as part of the EUTOPIA PhD co-tutelle programme, working jointly in the groups of Mark Greenhalgh at the University of Warwick and Frank De Proft and Mercedes Alonso at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium).

Application Deadline: Friday 1^st May 2026

Funding: Competition funded for students with UK home fee status

Background: Chalcogen bonding is an emerging non‑covalent interaction between Lewis acidic chalcogen‑containing molecules (S, Se, Te) and Lewis bases. Its growing use in catalysis stems from the expectation that chalcogen bonding can offer orthogonal selectivity relative to traditional interactions due to its distinct underlying electronic origins. However, this assumption is largely based on theoretical studies of simplified chalcogen bond donors that do not reflect the systems commonly used in catalysis. Advancing truly orthogonal and complementary chalcogen bonding catalysts therefore requires a deeper understanding of how catalyst structure influences both activity and selectivity.

The Project: This PhD project will integrate experimental and computational methods to evaluate the strength, selectivity, and underlying origins of chalcogen bonding in catalytically relevant systems. The insights obtained will guide the design of new catalysts that demonstrate truly orthogonal selectivity compared to conventional alternatives.

The project will begin at Warwick, where the student will measure solution‑phase binding parameters for a range of chalcogen bond donors. They will then spend a year at VUB in Belgium to model binding selectivity computationally. This combined analytical and theoretical approach will identify optimal catalyst architectures and substrate classes to achieve highly selective and previously inaccessible catalytic outcomes. In the final phase, the student will return to Warwick to synthesise the new catalysts and evaluate their performance across a range of catalytic reactions.

Student Training: The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in synthesis, analytical measurements, computation, data analysis, and catalysis. They will be fully integrated into research groups at both Warwick and VUB and will benefit from extensive transferable skills training across both institutions. The student will also gain experience in communicating research through scientific writing and presentations at national and international conferences. This broad training portfolio will support a wide range of future career paths and position the student competitively for their next professional step.

Candidate Requirements: A strong undergraduate degree in chemistry (2:1 or First Class) is required. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. The role is well suited to applicants with interests in synthesis, catalysis, and computation; prior expertise in all areas is not essential, as full training will be provided. Above all, candidates should demonstrate motivation, enthusiasm, and a willingness to develop new skills.

Start Date: The successful candidate is expected to start in October 2026.

How to Apply: Please contact Dr Mark Greenhalgh (mark.greenhalgh@warwick.ac.uk) to express your interest in the position. Please include your CV and current/predicted grades. Informal discussions about the role can be arranged before the deadline, with formal interviews scheduled with all three supervisors in early May.

Funding Details: The studentship provides four years of UKRI-funded fees and stipend, subject to a successful application to the EUTOPIA PhD co‑tutelle programme. The selected candidate will be included in this application, with the funding outcome expected in July.

Advert information