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Chemistry PhD in Sustainable Chemistry, Materials, Synthesis and Biological Chemistry University of Nottingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Funding is available for some projects through the School and University, industry partners, charities, Centres for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Partnerships. Funded projects are listed on the studentship jobs website. International applicants should discuss funding with a potential supervisor and may also explore scholarships or government loans. Tuition fees are listed as £5,260 for UK students and £33,800 or £39,600 for international students, depending on the project.
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Nottingham
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About this position
The University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry is seeking research students for a 2026 Chemistry PhD. The programme supports independent, in-depth research addressing global challenges in cleaner energy, sustainable synthesis, new materials, healthcare and drug discovery.
Research is organised around molecular bonding and spectroscopy, materials, synthesis and catalysis, and biological chemistry. Potential projects may involve chemical synthesis of bioactive natural products, novel catalyst design, sustainable synthetic chemistry, polymers from terpenes, supercritical carbon dioxide, nanoscale manipulation, drug-delivery systems, porous materials and biogas upgrading.
Students join a thriving research environment with approximately 160 postgraduate students and 60 post-doctoral fellows. Depending on the project, research may involve advanced facilities including mass spectrometers, high-field and solid-state NMR, lasers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffractometers. Research may be based in the School of Chemistry Building, the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory or the Biodiscovery Institute.
The programme includes regular supervision, annual review and researcher-development training. Students work with academic supervisors and have access to the School’s postgraduate forum, ChemSoc, the University’s Researcher Academy and broader student-support services.
Research interests also include the molecular mechanisms governing enzymatic reactions and the interaction of polysaccharide-active enzymes with natural substrates for biofuel production and sustainable chemistry.
Funding details
Funding is available for some projects through the School and University, industry partners, charities, Centres for Doctoral Training and Doctoral Training Partnerships. Funded projects are listed on the studentship jobs website. International applicants should discuss funding with a potential supervisor and may also explore scholarships or government loans. Tuition fees are listed as £5,260 for UK students and £33,800 or £39,600 for international students, depending on the project.
What's required
Applicants are considered individually and should normally hold a 2:1 in an MSci, MChem or equivalent qualification. Successful applicants are invited to an interview. Applicants should identify an area of chemistry and a potential supervisor; a research proposal is not required. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors to discuss current projects and funding opportunities.
How to apply
Review the School of Chemistry research themes and staff pages, then contact potential supervisors to discuss projects and funding. Apply through the University of Nottingham postgraduate application process, entering your chemistry area and potential supervisor on the research details section; a research proposal is not required.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.