The Pilgrim Group is recruiting an enthusiastic MRes student to join our research team in October 2023 and is offering a scholarship to cover the MRes fees at UK/Home rate. The group’s interests span supramolecular self-assembly, coordination complexes, interlocked molecules, and stimuli-responsive materials. Please see https://www.thepilgrimgroup.co.uk/ for more information.
Project goals
Metal-organic coordination complexes are self-assembled, nanometre-sized structures created from reversible coordination bonds between suitable metal ions and organic ligands. Through careful ligand design, we can direct the size, shape, and resultant properties of the structures that form. For example, cages have an interior cavity, inside of which other molecules can bind, with potential uses in sensing, extraction of a valuable component from a mixture, or for catalysis.
This project seeks to design novel coordination complexes constructed from lanthanide ions as opposed to the more commonly encountered transition metals. Lanthanides have larger coordination numbers than transition metals and more flexible coordination geometries and so have been studied far less. However, the unpaired electrons in lanthanide ions offer unique opportunities to develop structures with interesting electronic/optical/magnetic properties.
What would you do?
The project encompasses synthetic organic chemistry as the ligands are designed, synthesised, and characterized. We then attempt self-assembly with different metals, see what structures form, and characterise them. During your studies you will receive the training to become an excellent supramolecular chemist, gaining knowledge of structural elucidation methods including NMR and mass spectrometry. Over your MRes it is envisaged you will produce work of high impact suitable for publication, and there is money allocated to present results at a conference.
Funding
The course is a 12-month research masters (MRes). The scholarship (funded by the Royal Society) covers payment of the MRes tuition fees at UK/Home rate. There is no stipend with this position, but UK/Home students are typically eligible for a UK government Masters loan (£11,836 in 22/23) to cover accommodation/living expenses. International/non-home students may apply but must have a confirmed source of funding to make up the difference between the home and international tuition fees and also to support maintenance.
Entry requirements
You should have/expect to achieve by summer 2023, a 1st /2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry/Natural Sciences specialising in Chemistry (or equivalent), e.g., MSci/MChem/BSc.
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University minimum English language requirements .
Enquiries
Dr Ben Pilgrim is happy to discuss via email any questions that applicants have (ben.pilgrim@nottingham.ac.uk).
To apply, send your CV (max two pages and including contact details of two referees) and a cover letter to [email protected]
Please submit your application by 20/03/2023.
At this stage you do not need to submit an official application to the University of Nottingham.