Experimental Design with Differential Flow Kinetics

Only through kinetic investigation can a reaction be rationally improved, leading to greener, safer, and more sustainable processes. While kinetic analysis has undergone a revitalisation in recent years, the collection of experimental kinetic data can still prove to be a slow and laborious process. High throughput experimentation is employed routinely throughout industry and academia, where multiwell plates deliver large volumes of single timepoint yield data, information on by-product formation, and mass balance. Kinetic monitoring has been attempted in multiwell plates but does not realise the same increases in ease, speed, or throughput. The Dingwall group has recently published a method for high throughput kinetic experimentation in flow. We were able to collect 216 kinetic profiles in three days, which would have taken over four months using a traditional approach.

In partnership with agrochemical giant Syngenta, the Dingwall group are recruiting a PhD student to use our new ability to collect large volumes of kinetic data to optimise important and industrially relevant chemical reactions using industry standard techniques such as Design of Experiments. This highly interdisciplinary project offers an excellent opportunity for the student to gain experience at the cutting edge of flow chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and data science, making them highly attractive for future employment in the fine chemicals industry and beyond. The position will also involve a three-month work placement at Syngenta. No prior knowledge of statistics or data science is required, training will be provided, but an interest in the area would be welcomed.

Funding for this project is for 3 years. For more information, please visit the group website (www.dingwall-lab.co.uk) or contact Dr Paul Dingwall (p.dingwall@qub.ac.uk).

Applications will only be considered if they are submitted via the QUB Direct Application portal https://myportal.qub.ac.uk/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fpg-admission-application-list%2F