Develop your own self-funded PhD proposal
If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.
We offer a range of PhDs funded by different sources, such as research councils, industries or charities.
As a PhD student, you will become a valued member of a research group. Here you will work with internationally respected academics, post-doctoral research associates and technicians.
To apply for a funded PhD, please read the advertised project information carefully as requirements will vary between funders. The project information will include details of funding eligibility, application deadline dates and links to application forms. We will only consider applicants who have a relevant background and meet the funding criteria.
A 3.5 year Faculty of Science funded PhD position in synthetic chemistry is available with Dr John Fielden at Lancaster university, working on organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optoelectronic applications.
The aim is to make new redox and/or photoswitchable non-linear optical (NLO) materials by functionalising surfaces with polyoxometalate-based charge transfer chromophores (POMophores). At the molecular level, we have shown that such POMophores, which connect an electron rich organic conjugated system with an electron-accepting polyoxometalate cluster, combine high non-linear optical activity, high visible transparency and the facility for switched responses (see Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202215537). These features make them potentially useful both in current optical telecommunications, and future technologies such as electro-optical computing and data storage.
This project will take the vital first steps towards bulk materials with potential for application in devices. It will first design and synthesise new POMophores designed to functionalise flat conductive surfaces, and investigate their assembly into oriented layers. Subsequently, it will study the non-linear optical and fluorescence responses of these layers and our ability to switch them through redox or light stimulus. Characterisation of the new POMophores and resulting materials will involve collaborations both at Lancaster, and beyond (Professor Koen Clays, KU Leuven).
The project will provide a very broad-based training in a well-equipped, multi-investigator research space. This starts with molecular inorganic and organic synthesis, including handling of air and moisture sensitive reagents (Schlenk technique), and a full range of molecular characterisation techniques (NMR & IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography), and will progress to surface characterisation (e.g. SEM, XPS), and electrochemical and photophysical characterisation methods. The student will also benefit from regularly presenting their work, helping prepare publications, and from access to a range of graduate skills training courses provided by Lancaster University.
The successful applicant will be enthusiastic and well-motivated with a strong interest in synthetic inorganic and organic materials chemistry, curiosity about physical properties, a willingness to learn and apply multiple photophysical and other measurement techniques, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English. They will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Master's or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, or a closely related discipline and possess theoretical and practical skills commensurate with a science-based undergraduate degree programme. Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate excellent research skills in their application and references.
The studentship commences in October 2024 and will cover fees at the UK rate plus the standard UKRI maintenance stipend. It may also fully or partially contribute to the fees and stipend of a self-funded international candidate, though it is advised that you enquire regarding this before applying.
Dr John Fielden welcomes informal e-mail enquiries about the studentship ahead of application. (J.Fielden@Lancaster.ac.uk). Please note that we cannot receive applications by email as they must be processed centrally.
Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/). Please indicate that you are applying for this funded PhD project by declaring the title of the advertisement where prompted. You may use the project description as your research proposal to apply.
Deadline: 15 March 2024. Applications will be considered as they arrive, and the position may be filled before the deadline if the right candidate is identified.
Lancaster University and Jaguar Land Rover are pleased to offer a fully-funded 3.5-year PhD position focused on the development of electrically switchable glazing for electric vehicles.
The research aims to develop new technologies for vehicle glazing which can switch between transmissive and partially reflective states to modulate heat absorption within the cabin. This will reduce the load on the batteries powering the vehicle leading to extended range. The PhD project would suit candidates with interests in functional materials, materials chemistry, electrochemistry and green technology.
The project will be hosted by Dr Xiao Hua (Xiaohua group) at the Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University, whose work centres on developing novel energy materials and understanding their intricate structure-property relationships for the applications in batteries, photovoltaics and catalysis.
In addition to receiving a full funding package (£18,622 p/a), including a competitive stipend and support for travel and research expenses, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through interaction with Jaguar Land Rover.
Applicants will hold a 1st class or 2:1 UK Master's or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or Natural Science and possess theoretical and practical skills commensurate with a science or engineering-based undergraduate degree programme. Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate excellent research skills in their application and references.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in electrochemistry, experimental physical and synthetic chemistry, enthusiasm to work in a laboratory environment, willingness to learn, a collaborative attitude, and will possess good written and oral communication skills.
It is encouraged to send informal email enquiries before submitting an application (x.hua1@lancaster.ac.uk). But please note that we cannot receive applications by email as they must be processed centrally.
Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system.
Please indicate on your application that you are applying for this funded PhD project by declaring the title of the advertisement where prompted. You may use the project description as your research proposal to apply for this studentship.
The studentship will cover fees at the UK rate. It may also partially contribute to the fees and stipend of a self-funded international candidate, though it is advised that you enquire regarding this before applying.
Deadline: 15th April 2024.
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position may be filled when a suitable candidate has been identified ahead of the deadline.
DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are a transformative technology in drug discovery, consisting of vast collections of chemical compounds where each is tagged with a unique DNA sequence that serves as a barcode. This innovative approach enables the rapid identification of potential drug candidates by screening millions of compounds simultaneously, significantly accelerating the discovery process and reducing costs compared to traditional methods.1 However, their potential is constrained by the narrow range of DNA-compatible synthetic reactions. For example, on-DNA reactions typically operate in water, at high dilution, under mild conditions, and require high specificity for modification of the small molecule in preference to the DNA tag.2
This PhD project will develop innovative photocatalytic transformations on DNA, expanding the range of possible synthetic reactions. Your work will be key to the creation of the next generation of diverse compound libraries, crucial for advancing drug discovery and personalised medicine.
Applicants will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Master's or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, biochemistry or Natural Sciences and possess theoretical and practical skills commensurate with a science-based undergraduate degree programme. Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate excellent research skills in their application and references.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, enthusiasm for working in a laboratory environment, willingness to learn, and a collaborative attitude. The candidate will also possess good written and oral communication skills.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in innovative organic synthesis and photochemistry, specifically with a strong desire to work with DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) and photocatalytic processes. The candidate should be adept in problem-solving and analytical thinking, with a keen motivation to contribute to groundbreaking research in the development of new pharmacological agents.
A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate; currently £18,622. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.
Dr Jamie Docherty welcomes informal email enquiries to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Jamie (j.docherty2@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.
Background
Decoupled electrochemistry is broadly the process of using a mediating chargeable redox species to drive an electrochemical process with a freely dispersed catalyst instead of a reaction directly at an electrode. The approach is relatively novel in the field of electrochemistry, having emerged in the early 2010s to drive water splitting to hydrogen and oxygen.1 The hydrogen evolution reaction has since been studied in other ways,2,3 as it redefines how electrochemical water splitting can take place. For one, it permits the use of redox flow battery electrolytes to drive the reaction, increasing the storage capacity of the whole energy storage system by having both battery and hydrogen storage. More recently our group has explored using the same principle to drive other challenging electrochemical reactions. Last year we demonstrated that CO2 reduction to formate is feasible using carefully selected redox species.4 Other groups have demonstrated that selective organic synthesis can be achieved using a mediator approach. Essentially, decoupled electrochemistry is a route to energy conversion, storage, and a route to electrosynthesis and molecular transformations, but is a largely unstudied field of chemistry.
Project description
A 3.5 year departmentally funded PhD position is available at Lancaster University. The aims of the project are to increase the portfolio of chemical reactions that are benefitted by being a decoupled process. Furthermore, it is to better understand the relationship between electroactive redox species, the catalysts and the analyte of interest (e.g. protons to hydrogen, CO2 to formate etc). The successful candidate will engage in a broad range of research skills with electrochemistry central to the work. The project will involve some organic and inorganic synthesis and collaboration with synthetic groups, solid state materials synthesis of catalysts, materials and chemical characterisation, electrochemical characterisation, battery cycling and evaluation, and comprehensive product analysis. The student will therefore gain a breadth of skills and knowledge in the field of chemistry, while gaining a specific expertise in long duration energy storage technologies.
References:
Requirements
Applicants will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Masters-level or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, or a closely related discipline and possess theoretical and practical skills commensurate with a science-based undergraduate degree programme. Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they can demonstrate excellent research skills in their application and references.
The successful candidate will combine an interest in physical chemistry, electrochemical systems and energy storage with synthetic coordination and organometallic chemistry and the willingness to learn and apply multiple analytical, electrochemical and characterisation techniques. They will also have enthusiasm for work in a laboratory environment, a collaborative attitude, and excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
How to apply (Please read carefully)
Prof. Kathryn Toghill encourages informal email enquiries before submitting an application (k.toghill@lancaster.ac.uk). Please note that we cannot receive applications by email as they must be processed centrally.
Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/).
Please indicate on your application that you are applying for this funded PhD project by declaring the title of the advertisement where prompted. You may use the project description as your research proposal to apply for this studentship.
Funding Details
The studentship will cover fees at the UK rate plus the standard maintenance stipend.
It may also fully or partially contribute to the fees and stipend of a self-funded international candidate, though it is advised that you enquire regarding this before applying.
Deadline: 15th April 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in late April.
The Centre for Global Eco-Innovation offers a range of funded PhD opportunities in a wide range of sciences, including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences and more. The Centre was established in 2012 based on the University’s pioneering decision to place its world-class environmental research at the heart of driving innovation for clean and sustainable growth.
Graduate Researchers