About the Project
Red Light Photocatalysis: A PhD in Next-Generation Catalysis
Over the past decade, photocatalysis driven by visible light has transformed synthetic chemistry, moving from a specialist technique into a standard method used in academic and industrial laboratories worldwide, including in the discovery and manufacture of new medicines. Yet the catalysts that made this transformation possible still rely heavily on toxic, high-cost precious metals and require blue or ultraviolet light, which limits how easily this chemistry can be scaled up and applied more…
broadly. This project sets out to change that, designing an entirely new generation of light-activated catalysts from the ground up, built around abundant, low-cost main group elements in place of precious metals, an approach spanning catalyst design, coordination chemistry and organic synthesis, and offering rich opportunities for students with a background in either organic or inorganic chemistry.
Our research group is building these new catalysts to operate using red light rather than blue or ultraviolet, taking inspiration from the natural molecular architectures responsible for the colour of blood and the green of plants. Red light is lower in energy, more cost-effective, and penetrates far more deeply through liquids and biological tissue than blue light, opening up possibilities for both large-scale industrial chemistry and future medical applications.
Our group has already published significant results in this area, and preliminary data now point toward an entirely new class of main group catalyst with the potential to extend this technology considerably further, enabling chemical transformations that have not previously been possible using light. This PhD project will take that early discovery and develop it into a fully realised platform: designing and synthesising new catalysts, establishing how they function, and applying them to the synthesis of chemically and pharmaceutically relevant molecules.
This project offers extensive training in synthesis, catalysis, and mechanistic analysis, together with a broad range of analytical and characterisation techniques using state-of-the-art facilities. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated researcher who will work closely with chemists and spectroscopists across the department, and with academic and industrial collaborators beyond it. Further development opportunities include weekly problem-solving sessions, departmental seminars from leading researchers, and the chance to attend and present at international conferences.
The successful candidate will join an established and well-supported research group at the University of Manchester, developing skills at the forefront of sustainable and medicinal chemistry that are valued in both academic and industrial careers. This project is well suited to students with a strong interest in the interface between chemistry, catalysis, and sustainability, and enquiries from prospective applicants are welcome.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Chemistry (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in Chemistry (or international equivalent).
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.