PhD Studentship in Organic Synthetic Chemistry and Functional Materials

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Athena SWAN Silver Award

Diversity and inclusion

Job summary

The University of Oxford invites applications for a DPhil studentship in Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry starting 1 October 2027 under Professor Paul McGonigal in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

The studentship will cover course fees at a Home rate and provide a stipend of no less than the standard UK Research Council rate (£21,805 p.a.) for 3.5 years, with applications closing 6 January 2027.

Qualifications

• First-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry or related subject.
• Strong commitment to research and ability to learn new skills independently.
• Based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory (CRL), Oxford.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonding interactions of strained molecules.
• Contribute to ongoing work in areas such as state-independent ionic conductivity and dynamic stereochemistry.
• Work under Professor Paul McGonigal in the Department of Chemistry, Oxford.

Skills

Independent learning

Research skills

Strong chemistry

Education

First-class or strong upper second

Job description

Title: Dynamic Processes in Organic Functional Materials

Supervisor: Professor Paul McGonigal

Start date: 1st October 2027

Applications are invited for a DPhil studentship in Synthetic and Physical Organic Chemistry available from October 2027, to work under the supervision of Professor Paul McGonigal in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford.

The studentship will cover course fees at a Home rate and provide a stipend of no less than the standard UK Research Council rate (currently set at £21,805 p.a.) for 3.5 years. Please see: https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/fees-funding/fees/status for more information.

Research in the McGonigal group focuses on investigating dynamic covalent and noncovalent bonding interactions of strained molecules (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and aromatic cations relevant to applications in organic materials. There will also be continuation of ongoing work in, e.g., state-independent ionic conductivity (Science 2025), shapeshifting molecules (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025), dynamic stereochemistry (Nature Chem. 2023), and strained aromatic cations (Nature Chem. 2023).

Candidates with a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry or a related subject are encouraged to apply. The candidate is expected to have a strong commitment to research and should have demonstrated the ability to independently learn new skills. The successful applicant will be based in the Chemistry Research Laboratory (CRL), Oxford.

Application deadline: 12.00 noon UK time on Wednesday, 6th January 2027.

Queries relating to the application and admission process should be directed to: [e-mail]; tel.: [phone].

The Department of Chemistry holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the McGonigal group is dedicated to promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.

£21,805. Stipend p.a + Course Fees at Home Rate