High oxidation state actinide organometallics

About the Project

A funded PhD studentship is available for an aspiring scientist to undertake research in the field of synthetic f-element chemistry. The studentship forms a part of a larger project targeting the synthesis and physical characterisation of unprecedented high oxidation state molecular lanthanide (Ln), and actinide (An) complexes through new design strategies.

The extension of molecular f-element chemistry beyond the current state-of-the-art [e.g. Ce(IV), Tb(IV), and Pr(IV)] systems will increase the available chemical space for the exploration of novel metal–element multiple bonding, new reactivities based on high oxidation states to be discovered, and will allow a comprehensive understanding of the physics of these ions in well-defined molecular systems to begin to be established.

The successful applicant will synthesise f-block coordination and organometallic compounds using air-free (Schlenk line and glovebox) techniques and structurally characterise them using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Together with collaborators in ab initio quantum chemistry and EPR spectroscopy techniques, they will determine the effect of oxidation state on the electronic structure and reactivity of these metal ions, and determine the design strategies required to go beyond the state-of-the-art.

Experience in the handling of air and moisture sensitive coordination and organometallic complexes, as well as in conducting air-free synthetic chemistry using both Schlenk line and glovebox techniques is highly desirable. The successful candidate will be based in the group of Dr Conrad Goodwin alongside a postdoctoral research associate working on the same larger ERC project with the student. You should be capable of working under your own initiative and working across multiple research teams, so excellent communication and organisational skills are required.

Informal enquires about the position are welcome to conrad.goodwin@manchester.ac.uk, and you can learn more about the Goodwin Group at www.capgoodwin.com.

Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application. The cover letter should describe your research interests and motivation for the proposed project in a short paragraph. Please see the application process at: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD is for home students. Excellent candidates will be nominated for competence-based funding from The School of Natural Sciences. The funding covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend based on the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

Self funded students are also welcome to apply.

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 supervisors 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: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/

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.