PhD Studentship: Synthesis and Characterisation of Iron-Based Catalysts

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship to work with Dr Ruth Webster developing sustainable iron-catalysed substitution reactions of alcohols, where water is the only by-product. The project is part of a collaboration between Dr James Taylor (University of Bath) and Syngenta that will combine expertise to prepare new iron-catalysts, perform detailed mechanistic studies, and develop their synthetic applications. The successful applicant will benefit from the expertise of both academic and industrial supervisors, and will have the opportunity to undertake a three-month placement at Syngenta.

The project will focus on the development and understanding of the iron catalyst. We will prepare well-defined iron complexes and test their activity in the nucleophilic substitution of alcohols. We will probe catalyst speciation using a range of techniques (NMR, UV-vis, mass spectrometry, etc.) and use X-ray crystallography to characterise potential catalyst resting states. We will undertake a detailed kinetics study into both inter and intramolecular variants of the organic transformation, and use the knowledge gained to feed into the complementary organic synthesis undertaken by the Taylor group. Overall, the new catalytic technology developed, alongside increased fundamental understanding will provide both industry and academia with an enhanced toolbox for the sustainable synthesis of valuable organic molecules.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated researcher to join our team who has a desire to undertake homogeneous catalysis involving paramagnetic systems. Experience of Schlenk techniques is desirable, but training will be provided.

The studentship will commence in October 2024 and provides a maintenance grant at the UKRI national rate, and tuition fees at the UK/home rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered if they are able to fund the overseas fees differential, or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship. Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

To apply, please submit an application through the University Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchpdpch for the course "PhD in Chemistry", naming Dr Ruth Webster as potential supervisor.

For any queries about this studentship, please contact Dr Webster by email at [email protected] .

Please quote reference MA39862 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.