PhD in Light-Activated Emulsions & Self-Destructing Droplets

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ERC Funding

Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship

Travel support

Job summary

University of Birmingham invites applications for a PhD project focusing on Ostwald ripening to control emulsion breakdown. Based in the Fielden Group, you will design and synthesise light-responsive molecular switches and embed them in emulsions to steer oil diffusion.

You will characterise droplets over time using NMR, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle techniques, and collaborate with SAXS/SANS groups, attend conferences, and develop independent project directions with mentoring.

Qualifications

• Strong Master's degree in chemistry or a related discipline.
• Experience in organic synthesis, emulsion formulation, and photochemistry is desirable.
• Familiarity with nanoparticle characterisation techniques and microscopy is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterise molecular switches.
• Incorporate switches into emulsions and study their effect on Ostwald ripening.
• Monitor droplet size over time to understand diffusion control.
• Collaborate with SAXS/SANS and microscopy groups; present findings at conferences.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Emulsion formulation

Photochemistry

Nanoparticle characterisation

NMR

Electron microscopy

Education

Master's degree in chemistry

Tools

NMR

Electron microscopy

SAXS

SANS

Job description

University of Birmingham invites applications for a PhD project focusing on Ostwald ripening to control emulsion breakdown. Based in the Fielden Group, you will design and synthesise light-responsive molecular switches and embed them in emulsions to steer oil diffusion.

You will characterise droplets over time using NMR, electron microscopy, and nanoparticle techniques, and collaborate with SAXS/SANS groups, attend conferences, and develop independent project directions with mentoring.