Chalcogen Bonding: Elucidating Fundamental Origins and Advancing Innovations in Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis

About the Project

Research Summary: We are advancing a range of projects focused on chalcogen bonding across synthetic, catalytic, analytical, and computational chemistry.

Chalcogen bonding is an emerging non‑covalent interaction between Lewis acidic chalcogen‑containing molecules (S, Se, Te) and Lewis bases. Unlike traditional hydrogen bonding, chalcogen bonding arises from a unique combination of electrostatics, anisotropic polarisation, dispersion and orbital interactions, giving it distinct directional and electronic properties. As a result, chalcogen bonding offers exciting opportunities for orthogonal modes of molecular recognition and new catalytic strategies that are not easily achievable through established non‑covalent interactions. Despite the rapid theoretical and conceptual development of the field, there remains a substantial knowledge gap in how structure, substituent effects, and molecular environment influence the strength, selectivity, and mechanistic role of chalcogen bonding in real-world contexts and applications.

We offer several PhD projects suitable for candidates with a variety of interests and skill sets. Fundamental studies will use analytical and spectroscopic techniques to examine how donor structure and solvent environment govern chalcogen bonding interactions. More applied projects involve designing, synthesising, and evaluating new chalcogen bond donor architectures for applications in supramolecular chemistry and catalysis, including sensor development, functional materials, stimuli‑responsive systems, and enantioselective catalysts. Computational projects, either standalone or combined with experimental work, are also available to support mechanistic understanding and guide molecular design.

Overall, our group seeks to deepen fundamental insight into non‑covalent interactions while leveraging this knowledge to drive innovation in reaction development and molecular design.

Student Training: Depending on the precise project, the PhD student will receive comprehensive training in a combination of synthesis, analytical measurements, computation, data analysis, and catalysis. They will be fully integrated into the research group and will benefit from extensive transferable skills training. The student will gain experience in communicating research through scientific writing and presentations at national and international conferences. This broad training portfolio will support a wide range of future career paths and position the student competitively for their next professional step.

Candidate Requirements: A strong undergraduate degree in chemistry (2:1 or First Class) is required. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. The candidate should be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team. The role is well suited to applicants with interests in synthesis, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, analytical chemistry and/or computation; prior expertise in all areas is not essential, as full training will be provided. Above all, candidates should demonstrate motivation, enthusiasm, and a willingness to develop new skills.

Start Date: Flexible

How to Apply: In the first instance, please contact Dr Mark Greenhalgh (mark.greenhalgh@warwick.ac.uk) to express your interest in the position. Please include your CV and current/predicted grades.

Funding Notes

Self-funded students only (UK or worldwide)