Actinide-Element Multiple Bonds for Covalency Quantification and Catalysis (PhD Scholarship)

This Bicentenary PhD Scholarship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to advance the frontier of actinide-element multiple bonding, a field that is rapidly evolving and holds promise for novel chemical structures and catalytic applications. The project aims to extend the range of actinide-ligand multiple bonds, particularly targeting high-value actinide-group 14/15 combinations, and to rigorously probe these bonds using advanced characterization techniques such as solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, crystallography, IR, Raman, UV/Vis/NIR, and EPR spectroscopies, magnetometry, and quantum chemical calculations. Quantification of chemical bonding will be underpinned by chemical shift anisotropy calculations, and the project will explore both stoichiometric and catalytic reactivities, including metathesis and group 14/15-element bond formation. The successful candidate will develop a wide range of transferable skills, including Schlenk and glove box techniques, analytical characterization, and computational modeling. The research is situated within the Department of Chemistry, under the supervision of Professor S Liddle and Dr. D Lee, and is supported by a vibrant, diverse research community committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The project is fully funded, covering tuition fees, a UKRI minimum annual stipend (£20,780 per annum), and up to £5,000 per annum research training support grant for the full 4-year duration. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. A supporting statement outlining motivation, relevant research or work experience, and key findings from previous research is mandatory. English language certification is required if applicable. Applications must include transcripts, CV, and contact details for two referees with official university/work email addresses. Flexible study arrangements, including part-time options, may be considered depending on the project and funding. To apply, candidates should submit their application online via the University of Manchester website, specifying the project title, supervisor, funding status, and previous study details. All required documents must be uploaded at the time of application; incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information or questions about the application process, contact the admissions team at [email protected]. This position is ideal for candidates interested in cutting-edge inorganic and structural chemistry, catalysis, and computational chemistry, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of structure-bonding-reactivity relationships in actinide chemistry.