Applicants are sought for a postgraduate studentship in the School of Chemistry (UCD, Ireland) to conduct research into composite framework nanomaterials. The project is a collaboration between the Keene and Brougham Groups, building on excellence in inorganic synthesis / structural characterisation and the physical analysis of magnetic nanomaterials. Our goal is to prepare the first stimulus-responsive nanostructured metal-organic-frameworks with the capacity to accommodate multiple guest molecules.
Framework materials provide a stable platform within which different chemical properties and functions, such as guest storage and separation, catalysis and magnetic switching may be anchored. By combining these porous networks with magnetic nanoparticles we will form suspension processible nanocomposites, with novel properties that will be applied for responsive drug delivery and biomedical imaging applications.
The project will involve the design and synthesis of framework materials based on paramagnetic components, and nanoparticle synthesis and surface chemistry, to produce composites that can trap molecules of interest and respond to external magnetic stimuli trapping and releasing cargo molecules. Key tasks will develop a broad range of synthesis skills including framework and nanoparticle preparation using synthetic routes we have developed, ligand synthesis, activation, and manipulation of materials under various conditions. Detailed structural and magnetic characterisation will be fully supported by the two Groups, providing a well-rounded project which offers broad training in state-of-the-art nanomaterials chemistry.
Applications are welcome from students with, or expecting to gain, a first class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject, with interests in preparing new materials and understanding how their structure determines properties. The successful candidate will start in Autumn 2018. The position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified so early application is advised. Interviews will be held by Skype or in person as appropriate.
The Scholarship for up to 4 years of stipend (€15,000) and EU level fees (fee excess must be met by the candidate for non-EU applicants) is available for the successful applicant thanks to generous funding from University College Dublin.
Candidates should apply directly to Dr Tony Keene (
tony.keene@ucd.ie) and a copy to Assoc. Prof. Dermot Brougham (
dermot.brougham@ucd.ie). Applicants should send a cover letter and a CV including the names of at least two people willing to provide a reference.
UCD supports equal opportunities and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of gender, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, disability or membership of the traveller community.