Control of Relaxation Times in Rare Earth Single-Molecule Magnets and Qubits

An EPSRC DTG-sponsored PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious chemist to undertake research in the field of synthetic inorganic chemistry in a collaborative project between three research groups at Manchester Chemistry.

In this project we target the synthesis of molecular rare earth qubits and single-molecule magnets (SMMs). Recently at Manchester we have developed a new synthetic methodology to prepare dicationic rare earth compounds bound by only one anionic ligand and haloarene solvents; we have also shown that salt metathesis reactions of bulky alkali metal ligand transfer agents with such compounds proceed remarkably cleanly as fluorobenzene is easily displaced (Chem. Sci., 2025, 16, 610. DOI:10.1039/D4SC06661H). Here we propose a general method to perform sequential salt metathesis and borohydride abstraction reactions, installing supporting ligands and a weakly coordinating anion to give novel rare earth compounds.

The successful candidate, based in the laboratory of Prof. David Mills and co-supervised by Dr Daniel Lee and Prof. Eric McInnes, will synthesise and fully characterise a novel, exciting series of highly air- and moisture-sensitive rare earth compounds. These compounds will be studied by a wide variety of techniques including solid-state NMR spectroscopy, continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopy, SQUID magnetometry, luminescence, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. We will determine relaxation times of rare earth qubits and SMMs in different matrices as the necessary first step towards their application in devices.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second-class undergraduate degree (or the overseas equivalent) in Chemistry. A Masters degree in a relevant subject and experience in practical synthetic inorganic chemistry or organometallic chemistry, especially air-sensitive chemistry (Schlenk lines and glove boxes) would be advantageous, although training will be provided.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).