Synthesis of Molecule Wires and Nanostructures
A fully funded doctoral training partnership (DTP) PhD studentship is available to start from September 2018 for 42 months, in the groups of Professor Simon Higgins, Richard Nichols and Dr Frank Jaeckel. This is primarily a synthetic project so it would suit a student interested in molecular and nano-structure synthesis, but also involves characterisation of the molecular wires and nanostructures produced. The synthesised molecules and nanostructures will have application in molecular, nano- and opto- electronics. The molecules and structures will be designed to have interesting optical, electrochemical or catalytic properties. The project will also involve the synthesis of nanostructures which will be designed to exhibit distinctive optical behaviour. An example here is the synthesis of metal nano-stars which feature exceptional light absorption and optical resonance behaviour. Both chemical and physical methods will be used to produce a wide range of nanostructures with interesting optical properties.
We are a currently a research group of ten people with activities in single molecule science, microscopies, STM and AFM, electrochemistry, synthesis and molecule electronics.
Requirements and eligibility
Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry. The award will pay full tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years (currently £14,553 p.a.) and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will start in September 2018.
Applications should be made as soon as possible but no later than 30th June 2018. Informal enquiries are also encouraged and should be addressed to Shiggins@liverpool.ac.uk
Applications from candidates meeting the eligibility requirements of the EPSRC are welcome – please refer to the EPSRC website.