Developing novel molecular hosts for catalysis in confined spaces

About the Project

A fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship (UK home fees only) is available in the group of Dr Jamie Lewis at the University of Birmingham in the area of synthetic supramolecular chemistry. The project will build on ongoing work from the group in the design, synthesis and study of functional organic macrocycles and molecular capsules and their use primarily in catalysis, but also molecular recognition and sensing.

Macrocycles and capsules are classes of molecular hosts that are able to bind guest molecules or ions within their cavities(1). The confined microenvironment of these cavities can differ significantly from bulk solution and have interesting effects on the reactivity of encapsulated species. Within this project we are particularly interested in the development of hosts for catalysis and understanding how confinement affects reactivity.

The successful applicant will join the Lewis Group in the new state-of-the-art facilities in the Molecular Sciences Building at Birmingham. Within this project they will develop synthetic skills in organic and coordination chemistry, analytical skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of key data using a range of techniques to characterise structures (e.g. NMR, MS, SCXRD) and function (e.g. NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, ITC) of molecular capsules.

The Lewis Group is interested in the design of structurally sophisticated and functionally complex molecular and supramolecular hosts, including coordination cages(2,3), frameworks(4) and mechanically interlocked molecules(5,6), for a wide range of applications. Please visit our group website for more details about our research:

https://lewisgroup.org.uk

How to apply:

For informal enquiries, email Jamie at j.e.m.lewis@bham.ac.uk including a copy of your CV. Please apply through the online portal, for which you will need: (1) A curriculum vitae (CV), (2) A Cover Letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position, and (3) The contact details of two Referees. There is no closing date but applications will close once an appropriate candidate has been found.

Funding notes:

Studentship details:

The studentship will start in September 2026 and is fully funded for 42 months and covers a tax-free PhD stipend at UKRI rate and UK home tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions, only candidates eligible for UK home fees are eligible. The University of Birmingham and the Lewis Group are inclusive and diverse environments that welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Entry requirements:

The candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a 1st class or high 2.1 Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry. A background in synthetic chemistry would be advantageous.

References:

(1) Chem. Soc. Rev. 2024, 53, 10380. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CS00761A

(2) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2023, 62, e202315451. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202315451

(3) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202212392. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202212392

(4) Org. Biomol. Chem. 2019, 17, 2442. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9OB00107G

(5) Chem. Sci. 2022, 13, 11368. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC04101D

(6) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 10928. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202100151