PhD Studentship (Molecular Engineering of Functional Organic Materials (PORPHYSHAPE))

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Dublin Bar, LEINSTER
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Mar 2023

Project: Understanding the functions of natural enzymes and developing new catalysts is a fundamental challenge in chemistry. Porphyrins are nature’s most versatile and ubiquitous class of cofactors with a wide range of chemically distinct functions - yet all these functions rely on metal chelates. PORPHYSHAPE challenges this limitation to metalloporphyrins. Key is the use of conformationally engineered nonplanar free base porphyrins, wherein structural macrocycle modulation gives functional access to the porphyrin core.

Using targeted molecular design, which combines the aspects of conformational flexibility with rational chemical synthesis as a new concept for organocatalyst/receptor design we will:

  • use conformational cofactor control as key design principle for bench-top molecular engineering of functional porphyrins;
  • deliver enzyme mimics capable of selective activation of substrates in organocatalytic reactions;
  • develop 1D, 2D, and 3D design principles in solution, on-surface, and in framework materials to yield spatially defined multifunctional nanoarrays;
  • establish proof-of-concepts for applications in sensing and remediation.

    • This is a highly interdisciplinary project which brings together researchers from synthetic organic chemistry, functional materials, photochemistry, interface physics, medicinal and bioinorganic chemistry and requires a strong interest in these areas. While primarily located at TCD, the researchers will work in an international team with secondments to collaborators, e.g., at TU Munich (Germany). Participation in STEM outreach and collaborative research projects and grant initiatives is expected.

    At Trinity, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Trinity welcomes applications from all individuals, including those applicants with disabilities, those who may have had non-traditional career paths, those who have taken time out for reasons including family or caring responsibilities. We also welcome international applicants including those whom have been displaced due to war.

    We are ranked 3rd in the world for gender equality (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020) and we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze award, recognising our work to advance gender equality. The University is actively pursuing a Silver level award, which it has committed to achieving by 2025. Trinity is committed to supporting the work-life balance and to creating a family-friendly working environment.


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