PhD studentship in Cocrystals as Probes for the Local Conditions in Resonant Acoustic Mixing

About the Project

PhD studentship in Cocrystals as Probes for the Local Conditions in Resonant Acoustic Mixing

Applications are sought for a fully funded PhD studentship position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham (UoB) in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Due to the available funding, the position is suitable for candidates eligible for home student rates. The position carries an enhanced tax-free stipend above UKRI rates of approximately £26000/year, subject to annual inflationary increase.

Background. Resonant acoustic mixing (RAM) is an emerging mechanochemical technology that uses low-frequency acoustic waves to induce mixing. RAM technology has been used for a wide variety of mechanochemical processes, including for the formation of cocrystals,[1] and the synthesis of organic,[2] and metal-organic compounds.[3] As a medium-free mixing technology, RAM is (in principle) well-suited for mixing systems that are sensitive to damage or initiation by mechanical stimulus, like energetic materials (explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics). In this respect, RAM technology has the game-changing potential for processing and handling such reactive materials.[4] However, very little is understood about the specific conditions that are experienced by powders within the RAM, limiting confidence in the safety of using RAM for processing energetic materials and formulations. This understanding must be established for RAM processing technologies to be used in a safe, robust manner.

The project. This project will establish critical understanding that is essential for the further development of RAM as a safe, reliable tool in materials research. It has the potential to be a keystone in understanding the practical value, as well as fundamental understanding, of RAM, ensuring the candidate is well placed for future careers in both academia and industry. Working in the groups of Dr Adam Michalchuk and Prof Tomislav Friščić, and in collaboration with scientists at Dstl, you will develop model cocrystal systems to study the local temperature and pressure environments during RAM mixing. You will leverage a range of advanced experimental techniques to characterise material after RAM mixing, and experiments will be complemented by ab initio computational models. The candidate will also have opportunities to conduct experiments at (inter)national laboratories such as the Diamond Light Source. There may be additional opportunities to undertake placements at Dstl to work on live mixes.

The project will leverage the world’s only Facility for Resonant Acoustic Mixing, housed within the University of Birmingham’s School of Chemistry Centre for Mechanochemistry and Mechanical Processing (BCM2).

The School of Chemistry and University of Birmingham. The School of Chemistry is housed in the new £85M molecular sciences building, housing state-of-the-art laboratory and office space. UoB houses a significant high-performance computing facility, available to this project. The candidate will join the Michalchuk group and the Friščić group within the School of Chemistry and the Birmingham Centre for Mechanochemistry and Mechanical Processing.

The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 on an anti-discrimination ethos accepting men and women on an equal basis. Today, as a community of over 150 nationalities in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness irrespective of age, disability, gender, pregnancy or marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). As the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s in-government science and technology organisation, Dstl provides unique expertise, insight and innovation to maintain UK warfighting readiness in an increasingly dangerous and complex world. As MOD science and technology leaders, Dstl provides expert advice, analysis and capability across a wide range of applications including energetic materials, platform systems, cyber and chemistry, fulfilling our responsibility to further technological advances in UK sovereign capabilities and support to UK defence.

The Candidate. Competitive candidates should have or expect to receive a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, materials sciences, or other related discipline, and have a strong interest in mechanochemistry. Familiarity with solid-state chemistry and diffraction would be advantageous. Please note this post is subject to Dstl security clearances.

Inquiries/Applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Adam Michalchuk or Prof Tomislav Friščić by email to discuss the position informally and should include a brief CV detailing their suitability for the role. Formal applications should be made through the University of Birmingham application portal, and include a CV and covering letter.

Deadline. The post will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.

Chemistry (6)

Funding Notes

Due to the available funding, the position is suitable for candidates eligible for home student rates.

References

[1] Chem. Commun (2018), 54, 4033-4036;
[2] Chem. Sci. (2023), 14(27), 7475-7481;
[3] Chem. Sci. (2020), 11 (29), 7578-7584;
[4] Propellants Explo. Pyrotec. (2022), 47(1), e202100146.