About the Project
Writing through catalysis: A tape-reading molecular catalyst
In 1936, Alan Turing imagined an automatic machine in which a ‘head’ moves along a tape, reading and writing symbols. Nearly ninety years later, this idea has a striking parallel in biology, where a molecular machine (the ribosome) reads information stored in a molecular tape (messenger RNA) and uses it to direct chemical synthesis (proteins).
The Leigh group recently developed an artificial molecular machine that moves directionally along a molecular ‘tape’ using chemical fuel. As the molecular reading head encounters stereochemical information encoded along the track, its conformation changes, allowing the sequence on the tape to be read through changes in its circular dichroism response [Nature 612, 78–82 (2022)].
This PhD project will take the next major step: from reading molecular information to writing it through catalysis. The aim is to design a tape-reading molecular machine in which the conformation of the reading head controls the stereochemical outcome of a catalytic reaction. Different symbols on the molecular tape would therefore produce different catalytic states and, ultimately, different chemical products. In effect, information encoded in a molecular tape would be translated into new chemical information in the product.
The project will initially investigate the concept through stepwise operation, developing switchable asymmetric catalysts based on the tape-reading architecture and establishing how molecular recognition and conformational change can control enantioselectivity. Candidate catalytic systems will include transition-metal catalysts and, potentially, metal-free organocatalytic reactions.
Once state-dependent catalysis has been established, the longer-term goal will be to combine catalysis with chemically fuelled directional motion, so that a catalyst travelling along a molecular track successively reads information and converts it into a sequence of chemical outputs. Ultimately, this could provide a route to the processive synthesis of sequence-encoded polymers—an artificial molecular-machine analogue of one of the fundamental functions of the ribosome.
The project lies at the interface of organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, asymmetric catalysis and molecular nanotechnology. The student will gain broad training in molecular design and synthesis, spectroscopy and structural characterisation, chiroptical techniques, asymmetric catalysis and the operation of chemically fuelled molecular machines.
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 (or international equivalent) in Chemistry with a strong background in organic chemistry OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry with a strong background in organic chemistry. Previous research experience in synthetic chemistry, catalysis or supramolecular chemistry is desirable.
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.