Advancing hyperpolarised solid-state NMR spectroscopy for materials science

About the Project

This PhD project is open to a wide range of research directions, depending on the interests and abilities of the candidate. The main topic will concern the application and development of methods for advanced NMR investigations of hyperpolarised solids. This will involve varying proportions of hands-on experimentation, theoretical work, numerical simulations, and data analysis.

The PhD student will benefit from not only the excellent academic environment at The University of Manchester, but also from access to state-of-the-art instrumentation such as the recent EPSRC-UoM funded 700 MHz NMR spectrometer, the UK high-field solid-state NMR facility, and the UK DNP MAS NMR facility.

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is highly suited to the study of local atomic environments, in both crystalline and disordered materials. It can be used to determine atomic-scale structures of organic and inorganic systems as well as their dynamics. Here, the developed methods will have the potential to characterise materials and their interfaces, elucidating structure-function relationships. These materials will be derived from the strong surrounding research at the University of Manchester, in areas such as catalysis (metal-organic frameworks, zeolites), gas capture/separation, semiconductors, nanoparticles and quantum dots, graphene-based composites, minerals, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals, among others. The detailed understanding enabled by this PhD will lead to the rational design of improved, innovative materials.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or related subject. A Master’s degree and/or relevant experience in NMR spectroscopy is desirable.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.