PhD studentship in organic / supramolecular chemistry: Membrane-bound molecular machines

About the Project

Project Overview: We have a vacancy for a PhD student working in the area of organic / supramolecular chemistry. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic student who wants to conduct research in synthetic supramolecular chemistry, physical organic chemistry, or lipid membranes. There is growing interest in placing synthetic molecular machines into lipid membranes, driven by the desire to mimic the behaviour of membrane-bound proteins in biology. However, information about how molecules behave in lipid membranes is lacking and the majority of characterisation having been performed in solution, which is not representative of membrane-bound behaviour. This project will address this intellectual gap by studying the behaviour and properties of molecular machines in lipid membranes, using a range of spectroscopic techniques. The knowledge obtained from the proof-of-concept studies in this project will enable more sophisticated transmembrane devices to be constructed that display behaviour akin their biological counterparts and will open up exciting new areas of research in the fields of membrane-bound nanotechnology. You will receive training in a range of areas, including synthetic supramolecular chemistry, lipid membranes, NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, physical organic chemistry, and fluorescence microscopy. The project will involve applications to national facilities including the Central Laser Facility, ISIS and the Solid-State NMR Facility. Informal enquiries are welcome: please contact Dr James Cooper (james.cooper@reading.ac.uk) directly and include a CV. https://www.reading.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/dr-james-cooper

University of Reading: The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 194 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2026. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 120 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport. During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving specialist supervision. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that can help support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility: · Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Chemistry or a closely-related discipline. · International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community. How to apply: Submit an application for a PhD in Chemistry via our online application system.

Enquiries: Dr. James Cooper, email: james.cooper@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project. If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.