EPSRC funded PhD in Chemistry – Catalysis under Pressure – Free Radical Detection by EPR

Sustainable Chemistry has revolutionized the way in which products and processes are produced. In simple terms, sustainability in the chemical sciences seeks to enhance the efficiency of natural resources supporting the production of a greener and more resource-efficient future. This requires the minimization of energy consumption, embracing environmentally friendly chemicals, and effectively managing the life cycle of all materials involved. Catalysis plays a pivotal role in this sustainable chemistry future. From a technical perspective, modern catalysts are immensely sophisticated, engineered and advanced materials, that have contributed to the creation of biodegradable plastics, and reduced our reliance on harmful materials involved in the production of fuels and fertilizers. There has been an increased call for environmentally friendly products to address issues with sustainable energy production, reduce industrial emissions, and tackle climate change.

Fundamental to the development of these new catalysts is the essential requirement to understand how they work and the mechanistic pathways of the of the reactions involved. To achieve this, multiple characterisation techniques are often deployed to understand how catalysts operate; no one technique is singularly definitive, and each present their own inherent advantages and disadvantages. This project will utilise a unique high pressure EPR spectroscopic technique to further gain a deeper understanding of catalytically driven reactions in solution, and how the effects of super high pressures alter and/or enhance the modes of the radical reactions.

Academic criteria

Applicants should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent).  

English Language

If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

Supervisors

Professor Damien Murphy Professor Damien Murphy – People – Cardiff University

Deadline for applications – Friday 18th October

Start date – 1st January 2025 or 1st April 2025 only.

How to apply

All applications should be submitted via the online application portal https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/chemistry

As part of your application please include:

CV

Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on FindaPhD.com https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-cv

Ensure your personal statement provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:

1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition?

2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)

3. Why do you think this project is important?

If you do not include a CV and personal statement your application will not be considered.

You can also review our Cardiff University webpage about EPSRC funded posts –https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/funding/research-councils/epsrc-studentships

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be notified of the interview date that is expected to take place during week commencing Monday 11th November 2024. These will held online, via zoom or Teams.

As part of the interview process, the candidates who have been shortlisted will be required to deliver a brief (ca. 5 minutes, 3 slides) presentation. This should be about a research project that you have undertaken.

Adjustments for interviews will be made to ensure equality for the candidates, e.g. flexible interview timings and locations for individuals with caring responsibilities, socioeconomic status, etc.; extra time if necessary for individuals with disabilities. All shortlisted applicants will be provided with the interview questions in advance.

If you wish to ask any informal questions about the application and interview process, including any specific requirements you may have, please contact our PGR office on chemistry-pgr@cardiff.ac.uk. Any questions or requests you have will in no way effect your application.

Cardiff University is committed to support students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Where needed, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests, to enable greater access to a PhD.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study and from candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds.

If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) framework – UKRI on top of your studentship.