University of Southampton
Top university
Just Landed
2 days ago
PhD in Realising Upconversion Luminescence in Supramolecular [d-f] Complexes University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Fully funded PhD studentship for UK and international applicants. No stipend amount is stated in the post.
Deadline
Jan 31, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in realising upconversion luminescence in supramolecular [d-f] complexes. This fully funded doctoral project sits in the School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and focuses on developing new light-emitting compounds for advanced bioimaging and medical imaging diagnostics.
The project explores inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, photophysics, coordination chemistry, and luminescence spectroscopy. You will work with lanthanide and transition-metal complexes, including systems based on Ru(II), Ir(III), Yb(III), and Nd(III), to build supramolecular assemblies capable of upconversion—converting low-energy near-infrared light into higher-energy emission. This has strong relevance for deep-tissue imaging and improved contrast in biological applications.
The research includes multistep organic synthesis, coordination chemistry, detailed photophysical studies, and investigation of energy-transfer processes. You will gain hands-on experience with NMR, IR, HPLC, mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and advanced optical characterisation techniques. The project is highly multidisciplinary and is suitable for students interested in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy, materials-related chemistry, and imaging science.
Eligibility: the advert states a 2:1 honours degree as the entry requirement. The funding is listed as fully funded for UK and international applicants. The closing date is 31 January 2027.
If you are looking for a research degree that combines synthetic chemistry with photophysics and biomedical imaging applications, this is a strong option. Interested applicants should review the full project page, check the detailed entry requirements, and apply through the University of Southampton postgraduate research application route before the deadline.
Funding details
Fully funded PhD studentship for UK and international applicants. No stipend amount is stated in the post.
What's required
Applicants should normally hold, or expect to obtain, at least a 2:1 honours degree. The project suits candidates with an interest in inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, photophysics, synthesis, spectroscopy, coordination chemistry, and X-ray crystallography. The advert does not specify additional language or test requirements.
How to apply
Review the project details on the University of Southampton page and use the project application process linked from the advert. Check the full entry requirements before applying and submit your application before the closing date.
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.