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Postgraduate Research

We offer 2 programmes within the department, a 3-year and 4-year programme. Our programmes are funded from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBRSC, NERC and MRC), Charities, the European Community, US Government sources and industry in the UK, Europe and the USA.

 

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PhD Chemistry 

PhD Chemistry

The Chemistry PhD programme is focused on a major piece of original research. You will study under the direct supervision of a member of staff, who is an expert in his or her area of specialisation. The department offers a broad range of research themes across physical, organic, inorganic and computational chemistry, specific departmental strengths are listed under research areas below.

Read more on the Chemistry PhD programme 

Nucleic acid coded peptide synthesis (D/L: 12/04/2024)

Supervisor: Professor Matthew Powner
Application deadline: 12th April 2024
Start date: 23rd September 2024

UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded PhD studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2024.  The student will carry out their doctoral research in the Powner group at UCL. 

The Powner group uses organic synthesis, chemical analysis, and systems chemistry to explore the origins of life on Earth, whilst also developing novel, robust, green chemical reactions that can improve the synthetic and catalytic strategies available to access key biochemical and biomimetic target molecules. 

Amide and peptide bond formation is one of the most-important reactions in both chemistry and biology. Amide formation avoiding poor atom economy reagents was, for example, identified by the ACS Green Chemical Institute as the top challenge for organic chemistry, whilst effective peptide synthesis is an essential cornerstone of understanding life on Earth. We recently reported the facile, selective coupling of aminonitriles in water to make peptides (Nature 2019, 571, 546), demonstrating that the unique reactivity of aminonitriles can be coupled with biomimetic N-to-C terminal peptide synthesis. We then reported the first prebiotic biomimetic synthesis of cysteine, and then with cysteine in hand, discovered catalytic peptide ligation (Science 2020, 370, 865). Our novel peptide ligation exhibits outstanding chemo- and regio-selectivity for proteinogenic peptides and requires no activating agents – activation is built into the thermodynamically activated but kinetically stable nitrile substrate (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 10151). Further development of peptide-nitrile chemistry has led us to elucidate the first high-yielding, chemoselective prebiotic synthesis of the universal thiol-cofactor, pantetheine (Science 2024, 383, 911–918).
A key goal of this project will be to develop novel strategies to program and control peptide synthesis through nucleic acid coding. This goal aims to advance our understanding of the origins of the central dogma of molecular biology and particularly to elucidate the origins of nucleotide-controlled peptide synthesis, which underpins the foundations of protein synthesis in all living organisms. This is an exciting opportunity for a student with a strong chemistry background to tackle one of the biggest problems in science. The successful candidate will join a group of highly motivated scientists working to elucidate the chemistry that underpins the origins of life on Earth.
The applicants should have, or be expecting, a first or upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry (or closely related subject). 
All applicants must complete the linked MS Form and an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (select Research degree: Chemistry programme).  Interested candidates may also informally contact Prof. Powner, with a motivation letter expressing interest in this project and the groups research. 

All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline. Please direct admissions queries to doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available here.

 

A 3.5 year PhD project on the activation and deactivation mechanisms in low temperature water gas shift catalysts (D/L: 15/04/2024)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew M. Beale

The UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2024. The student will carry out his/her doctoral research at the Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire.

The water gas shift reaction (CO + H2O ® CO2 + H2) provides the hydrogen used to produce ammonia. The process is catalyzed at low temperatures by Cu supported on ZnO dispersed on Al2O3. In recent times, the catalyst has been optimized to obtain improved H2 yields; this has been achieved by increasing the Cu loading and adding promoters such as Cs. In industrial plants, hydrogen highly diluted in nitrogen is used for reduction of Cu to make an active catalyst. However, it has also been shown that reduction can be achieved using synthesis gas, but that is considered ‘too reducing’ for these catalysts leading to critical failure with Cu observed to fuse together to form aggregates several metres long causing the reactor to shut down prematurely. How is it too reducing and what are the characteristics of such a catalyst?  This research proposal seeks to provide in depth analysis of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts using advanced characterisation techniques applied under various reducing atmospheres and wet gas compositions to understand activation and deactivation behaviour. This insight will be achieved using advanced synchrotron X-ray characterization methods (XRD, XRD-CT, combined spectroscopy/scattering methods) employed in relevant reaction conditions to obtain a better understanding of this process and provide a starting point of how to mitigate this. This research will also be directly linked to the real application of such catalysts and results used to inform best practice.

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects Chemistry, Physics or Chemical Engineering.

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Prof. Andrew M. Beale, with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the View Website.

A 4-year PhD EPSRC iCASE studentship in “Characterization and development of nitrile reductase (NiRED) enzymes as biocatalysts for the sustainable synthesis of primary amines” in collaboration with AstraZeneca (D/L: 24/03/2024)

Supervisors: Dr Daniele Castagnolo and Dr Michele Crotti (UCL), Dr Samatha Staniland (AstraZeneca)
Application deadline: 24th March 2024
Interview date: 28th March 2024
Start date: 1st October 2024

UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in October 2024.  The student will carry out his/her doctoral research at UCL.
This is a EPSRC iCASE studentship in collaboration with AstraZeneca

The aim of the project is the development of nitrile reductase enzymes as biocatalysts for the synthesis of primary amines through green and sustainable chemical processes. The candidate will work on the cloning, expression and purification as well as on the engineering of enzymes with the aim to identify the best biocatalysts for targeted reactions.  A substantial part of the project will be on the screening of the newly produced biocatalysts and on the development of novel biocatalytic reactions for the reduction of nitriles. For further information on the project, please contact directly the supervisor at d.castagnolo@ucl.ac.uk

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in one of the following subjects: organic chemistry, molecular biology, biochemical engineering, medicinal chemistry.

Interested candidates are invited to contact directly the supervisor, Dr Daniele Castagnolo, with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. 

IMPORTANT - Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete the MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline.

The interview process will include a short data analysis project and the preparation of a small report to summarise its results. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the View Website.

Applications will be accepted until 24th March 2024, 23.59 (GMT). 

A 3-year PhD studentship in “Discovery and engineering of reductase enzymes for the biocatalytic production of pharmaceutical relevant amines” (D/L: 22/03/2024)

Supervisor: Dr Michele Crotti
Application deadline: 22nd March 2024
Start date: 23rd September 2024

UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2024. The student will carry out his/her doctoral research at UCL.

The reduction of nitrogen-containing functionalities using conventional chemical catalysts is the most widely used methodology to prepare a variety of industrially relevant amine derivatives, such as antibiotics, anti-cancer molecules, and other valuable drugs. However, low selectivity, accumulation of dangerous and reactive intermediates, and the environmentally harmful production of chemical wastes are dominant issues on an industrial scale.
Enzymes are biodegradable and non-toxic, with tuneable selectivity, capable of working under mild conditions and producing a lower amount of waste and byproducts. 
The focus of the research project is the discovery of new reductase enzymes to be used in the biocatalytic preparation of pharmaceutical-relevant amines. The candidate will work on establishing an automated/semi-automated pipeline for the cloning, expression, purification, engineering, and substrate fingerprinting of reductase enzymes with the aim of identifying the best biocatalysts for targeted transformations. The candidate will work at the new UCL Manufacturing Futures Lab (MFL) and will be able to exploit the MFL cutting-edge facilities for this project.

 For further information on the project, please contact directly the supervisor at m.crotti@ucl.ac.uk.

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in: organic chemistry, molecular biology, biochemical engineering, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry. 

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Dr. Michele Crotti, with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete the MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the View Website.

A 4-year PhD studentship in X-ray and Optical Spectroscopy (D/L: 08/03/2024)

Supervisor: Dr Rebecca Ingle 
Application deadline: 8th March
Interview date: 20 – 26th March
Start date: September 2024

UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2024. This position is jointly funded by the STFC UK XFEL Hub. 

The project will involve using lab-based ultrafast optical spectroscopies as well as using international synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser facilities to study a variety of molecular systems, including metal-organic cages and organic complexes made by our synthetic collaborators. You will be responsible for planning and performing such experiment, performing data analysis and actively contributing to the activities in the research group. No previous experience in any of the spectroscopic techniques is necessary though any programming or data analysis experience will be advantageous.  Enthusiasm and willingness to learn is key.

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper-second-class Honours degree or equivalent in subjects such as chemistry, physics or a related subject.  

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Dr Rebecca Ingle, by email with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the View Website.
 

A 3-year PhD studentship Membranes for energy storage/conversion devices under operational conditions (D/L: 30/04/2024)

Supervisor: Dr F. Foglia
Application deadline: 30 April 2024
Interview date: TBC
Start date: September 2024

UCL Chemistry Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in February 2024. The student will carry out their doctoral research at UCL.

This studentship focuses on membrane optimisation under operational conditions for energy applications (e.g., flow batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers; see for example F. Foglia et al Nature Materials 21, 555-563, 2022). The scope of the study is to develop Neutron and X-rays combined structural dynamical characterization to improve device performances. Research will be carried out at UCL and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory within both the Diamond Light source and ISIS Spallation Neutron and Muon Source. No prior experience with X-ray or neutron scattering techniques is required, and applicants are encouraged from a range of backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering or other physical science. 

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent. 

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Dr Fabrizia Foglia, with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) before the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline.
The interview process will include a short data analysis project and the preparation of a small report to summarise its results. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on the View Website

A 3-year PhD studentship Development of advanced membrane material for energy applications (D/L: 30/04/2024)

Supervisor: Dr F. Foglia
Application deadline:30th April 2024
Interview date: TBC
Start date: 23rd September 2024

UCL Chemistry Department, in collaboration with Toyota Motor Europe (TME), is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in September 2024. The student will carry out their doctoral research at UCL.

This studentship focuses on characterisation of membrane materials provided by TME to explicate the structure-to-function interplay in membranes for energy conversion to optimise chemistry and/or formulation to improve performances (see for example F. Foglia et al Nature Materials 21, 555-563, 2022). The scope of the study is to develop a combined structural-dynamical study to provide information on the chemical profiling, transport, and nanoconfinement dynamics across many length and time scales. Research will be carried out at UCL and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory within both the Diamond Light source and ISIS Spallation Neutron and Muon Source. No prior experience with X-ray or neutron scattering techniques are required, and applicants are encouraged from a range of backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering or other physical science. 

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent. 

Interested candidates should initially contact the supervisor, Dr Fabrizia Foglia, with a degree transcript and a motivation letter expressing interest in these projects. Informal inquiries are encouraged. Please note that a suitable applicant will be required to complete MS Form entitled Application for Research: degree Chemistry programme. In addition, it is essential that suitable applicants complete an electronic application form at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/apply (please select Research degree: Chemistry programme) prior to the application deadline and advise their referees to submit their references as soon as they possibly can. All shortlisted applicants will be invited for the interview no more than 4 weeks after the application deadline.
The interview process will include a short data analysis project and the preparation of a small report to summarise its results. Any admissions queries should be directed to Dr Jadranka Butorac and Asima Shaikh at doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk.

Applications are welcome from UK nationals, EU students with settled/pre-settled status and students with indefinite leave to remain or enter. Please note that the studentship only covers home fees. The updated rules for eligibility for home fees for next year are available on View Website. Applications will be accepted until 8 December 2023. 

A 3-Year PhD Studentship in Quasi-1D Nanomaterials for Controllable Quantum Computing (D/L:15/04/2024)

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A 3-Year PhD Studentship in Radiative Cooling Paints (D/L:15/04/2024)

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A 3-Year PhD Studentship in Skin-Wearable Electronics for Stress Monitoring (D/L:15/04/2024)

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A 3-Year PhD Studentship in carbon supported cathode materials for Zn-ion supercapatteries (D/L:15/04/2024)

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 3-Year PhD Studentship in Quantum Computing for Chemistry(D/L:15/04/2024)

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Departmental Graduate Tutor
Professor Vijay Chudasama
Email: v.chudasama@ucl.ac.uk

For all PGR enquiries contact:
Email: doctoral.chem@ucl.ac.uk