Pulsed EPR to Study Electronic Structures in f-Block Complexes

An EPSRC DTG-sponsored PhD studentship is available to undertake research in the field of f-element complex EPR spectroscopy in a collaborative project between three research groups at Manchester Chemistry.

There is much current interest in characterising the nature of metal-ligand bonds in f-element complexes involving, for example, unusual oxidation states, bonding modes and magnetic properties. Further understanding is needed. In this project we will study a systematic family lanthanide and actinide complexes. The ligands have been designed to contain several non-zero spin nuclei that will give detailed information on spin delocalisation via EPR methods, and to give redox activity hence access to multiple oxidation states. The successful candidate will receive training in continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectroscopies, electronic structure calculations and handling of air-sensitive and radioactive materials, depending on the student and the course of the project.

1. “Actinide covalency measured by pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy”, A. Formanuik, A. M. Ariciu, F. Ortu, R. Beekmeyer, A. Kerridge, F. Tuna, E. J. L. McInnes, D. P. Mills, Nat. Chem. 2017, 9, 578. DOI:10.1038/nchem.2692.

2. “Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of pentagonal bipyramidal gadolinium complexes”, J. B. Petersen, Y-S. Ding, S. Gupta, A. Borah, E. J. L. McInnes, Y-Z. Zheng, R. Murugavel, R. E. P. Winpenny, Inorg. Chem. 2023, 62, 8435. DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c01227.

3. “Structural and spectroscopic comparison of soft-Se vs. hard-O donor bonding in trivalent americium/neodymium molecules”, C. A. P. Goodwin, A. W. Schlimgen, T. E. Albrecht-Schönzart, E. R. Batista, A. J. Gaunt, M. T. Janicke, S. A. Kozimor, B. L. Scott, L. M. Stevens, F. D. White and P. Yang, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 9459. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202017186.

Informal enquires about the position are welcome to eric.mcinnes@manchester.ac.uk, richard.winpenny@manchester.ac.uk or conrad.goodwin@manchester.ac.uk

Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application. The cover letter should describe your research interests and motivation for the proposed project in a short paragraph.

Eligibility

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 related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD is fully funded for home students and EU students with settled status; the successful applicant will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI amount (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

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).