Accessing New Chemistries: Tuning Reactivity Of Chemical Processes Using Ionic Liquids And Deep Eutectic Solvents (Ref: CG-AC-2524)

About the Project

Ionic solvents are known to alter the outcomes of chemical processes by influencing their mechanism. Because of the wide variety of different ions that might make up an ionic solvent, there is enormous scope for tuning these processes. Optimised processes will ensure that future green targets can be met for sustainable and environmentally responsible chemicals manufacture.

As part of our team, you will look at the influence of ions in changing the accessible transition state of selected reactions, using and developing state-of-the-art computational methods, to marry up with experiments carried out with our collaborators at UNSW, Sydney. This will enable us to more fully understand how we can tune and manipulate chemical reactions to get the reaction outcomes we desire.

Where required, training in specific computational methods (molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, machine learning) will be provided. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international and industry partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Professor Anna K Croft a.k.croft@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Professor Jason B Harper

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have at least, or expect to achieve, a 1st or good 2:1 MChem, MEng, or MSci or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline including chemistry, physics, computing, biology, or engineering, with a background in and passion for chemical sciences. Some prior experience with computational approaches and/or programming is desirable. You will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research team at Loughborough led by Prof Anna K Croft, with opportunities for collaboration with our project partners at UNSW in Australia, other internationally leading groups in academia and industry.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Closing date of advert: 3rd August 2026

Start date: July 2026, October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years, 3.5 years or 4 years, Part-time 6 years, 7 years or 8 years

How to apply:
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, 'Loughborough' and select Programme 'Chemical Engineering'. Please quote CG-AC-2524 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

Email Address AACME:
aacme.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk