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Steve Liddle
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PhD Studentship - (UoM-Peking) Uranium and Thorium in Arene-Trigonal-Donor Environments The University of Manchester in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 7, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
The University of Manchester
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Keywords
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About this position
This PhD studentship is part of the Manchester–Peking dual award scheme and focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of new actinide–ligand multiple bonds, with uranium and thorium chemistry at the centre of the project. Building on preliminary results with a new ligand class in f-element chemistry, the student will work toward unprecedented bonding motifs and the in-depth study of their structure, bonding, and reactivity.
The project combines experimental and computational approaches to explore these complexes from several angles. On the experimental side, the student will carry out reactivity studies and use a wide range of advanced characterisation tools, including crystallography, NMR, IR, Raman, UV/Vis/NIR, EPR, magnetometry, and XAS/XANES/RIXS. On the theoretical side, the project includes quantum chemical calculations using both single- and multi-reference methods to support interpretation of the bonding and electronic structure.
The student will join a joint supervisory team across two leading institutions. At Manchester, Prof. Steve Liddle leads the synthesis side of the project, with Dr Baker contributing expertise in XAS/XANES/RIXS. At Peking University, Prof. Jiang provides computational expertise and Prof. Huang contributes further synthesis expertise. The project is set within an international, collaborative research environment spanning Manchester and Beijing.
Training will include Schlenk and glove-box techniques as well as experience with spectroscopic, magnetic, and computational methods used in modern actinide chemistry.
Funding details
Available
What's required
A highly motivated, outstanding chemist is sought with an interest in actinide synthesis, structural, spectroscopic, magnetic, and computational characterisation. Manchester entry is open to UK and international students, while Chinese nationals from Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, including dual nationals, should apply through Peking. Applicants must contact the main supervisor in advance and include details of their current level of study, academic background, relevant experience, and a paragraph on motivation. The application also requires the full project title, the supervisor name, previous study details, and contact details for two referees.
How to apply
Contact Prof Steve Liddle in advance of applying to discuss your experience. Submit a formal application through the online portal using the full project title, supervisor name, study details, and two referees. Enter 'Dual award funding' in the funding field.
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Professors
Professor at The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Computational Chemistry
Crystallography
Coordination Chemistry
Quantum Chemistry
Synthesis
Professor at The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Spectroscopy
Quantum Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Professor at The University of Manchester
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Coordination Chemistry
Spectroscopy
Magnetism
Actinide Chemistry
Chemistry
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.