PhD Studentship in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry

About the Project

Illuminating novel reactivity at main-group centres

Heavy carbene analogues, silylenes, germylenes, stannylenes, plumbylenes, and their group 13 relatives, should display dramatically enhanced reactivity in their triplet electronic states yet accessing and studying these species remains a fundamental challenge. This project will develop photochemical methods for generating triplet-state species. Using a combination of EPR, UV/Vis, and NMR spectroscopy, we will characterise these elusive intermediates and map their reactivity toward small molecules and inert bonds. Key questions include: how can triplet heavy-carbene analogues be generated selectively? (How) Can they be stabilised/made persistent? And how does their open-shell diradical reactivity differ from that of their better-studied singlet counterparts?

Students will receive comprehensive training in inorganic synthesis, characterization, and analytical techniques (computational and spectroscopic).

Applying

In the first instance, the initial application of cover letter and CV should be directed to both Professor Michael Cowley (Michael.Cowley@ed.ac.uk) and Dr Richard Kong (rkong@ed.ac.uk). Informal inquiries are welcome to both supervisors.

The position will remain open until filled. A closing date may be added at a later date.

IMPORTANT

Before Submitting your cover letter and CV, please complete the online School of Chemistry Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Form for 26/27 Entry.

Funding Notes

The studentship is fully funded for 42 months and covers tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate, for 2026/27 this is £21,805 per annum, for a candidate satisfying EPSRC residency criteria.