1 PhD Studentship on New NMR Tools for Interrogation of Chemical Reactions and Processes at the School of Chemistry in UK | University of Edinburgh

New NMR Tools for Interrogation of Chemical Reactions and Processes.

Funded by Bruker UK and the School of Chemistry, a 3.5 year studentship is available at a level equivalent to standard EPRSC funding (stipend and fees), to start in September 2014 for an UK candidate with a strong academic record, an ambition to pursue a research career, and the interest and commitment to join and contribute to dynamic, collegiate and productive research groups at Edinburgh. The candidate must have a 1st (2i exceptionally) degree in chemistry, physics or math and have an aptitude for computer programming and a broad interest in physical science.

This studentship seeks to advance unique NMR hardware development in Edinburgh for reaction mechanism and kinetics, which involve custom-built instruments to allow interfacing of precision stop-flow and quench flow techniques with the NMR instrument. The student will thus contribute towards interfacing of chemical reactors with NMR spectrometers, automation of the monitoring of reaction kinetics, and in particular customising of existing and the development of novel NMR experiments for this area including data evaluation.

The research topics studied contain reaction mechanism and kinetics of reactions that are relatively rapid relative to the normal NMR timescale. This research may have substantial application in industrial process research groups in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and specialist material sectors.

Access will also be provided to a range of 400-800 MHz NMR spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes. For details see here. The student will also be involved in a range of project focusing on the automation and evaluation of NMR experiments.

The student will spend some time working in the BRUKER UK application labs in Coventry. This project will provide a high-quality training opportunity, as well as offer excellent employment prospects in a range of academic orientations or industries.