Skills and Training
This fully-funded PhD studentship offers the opportunity to work within dynamic and growing research groups led by Dr Dominic Willcox and Dr Liam Donnelly.
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in:
- Homogeneous catalysis and polymer chemistry
- Automated and continuous-flow processes
- Experimental and computational mechanistic studies
Research will be based at Heriot-Watt’s Institute of Chemical Sciences, offering access to state-of-the-art laboratories, analytical instrumentation, and automation facilities. Doctoral training will be enhanced through international conferences and researcher development workshops, supporting career progression in both academia and industry.
This project includes a close collaboration with Johnson Matthey, offering up to three months of industrial placement, access to specialised reagents and expertise, and strategic input through regular meetings. The partnership provides valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities in circular chemical manufacturing.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold or expect to hold a 1st or 2:1 class MChem (or equivalent) by autumn 2027 and must be classified as a Home student. The position is ideally suited to candidates with strong experience in polymer chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Dominic Willcox (d.willcox@hw.ac.uk) and Dr Liam Donnelly (l.donnelly@hw.ac.uk) by email, describing their interest in the field along with a CV and the contact details of two referees.
The application will remain open until 16 December 2026. However, the position may close at any time after this date once a suitable candidate has been found.
Funding Notes
This scholarship will cover tuition fees (UK) and provide an annual stipend (paid in line with UKRI recommended rates, £21,805 in 2026-27) for 42 months, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.
References
- R. H. McCabe, E. R. Capes, L. J. Donnelly, Green Chem., 2026, 28, 15530–15541.
- L. J. Donnelly, M. Kobylarski, J.-C. Berthet, T. Cantat, Green Chem., 2022, 24, 6810–6815.
- Jehanno, C., Alty, J.W., Roosen, M. et al., Nature, 2022, 603, 803–814.
