The Nitschke group has reported the preparation of pore-like structures and their dynamic structural rearrangement upon addition of a chemical stimulus, such as an anion. The ESR will synthesise a range of complexes based on these structures and systematically test their ability to act as synthetic ion channels.The dynamic rearrangement of the complexes will be investigated and whether this could be exploited to gate the flow of ions or larger molecules across a membrane. Furthermore, detailed kinetic and thermodynamic studies will provide data to aid in the rational design of future synthetic pores.
Project 1: Metal-Organic Complexes as Synthetic Ion Channels.
We invite applications for two Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher (MSC-ESR) Fellowships to start in October 2015 to work with Professor Jonathan Nitschke in the field of dynamic covalent chemistry for the preparation of multi-stimuli responsive molecular systems and materials. The projects will form part of a EC Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network (ResMoSys), which involves academic and industrial partners from across Europe and the USA.
Although based in Cambridge, the successful candidates will participate in several outreach activities, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with different members of the network. More information about the network can be found at www.resmosys.ch.cam.ac.uk.
Applicants must satisfy the EC’s eligibility requirements for MSC-ESR Fellowships, and must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the last three years. They should have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK upper second class honours degree (and preferably a Masters degree) in a relevant scientific discipline. Knowledge of dynamic covalent chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and characterisation techniques for nano-sized assemblies would be an advantage. The Fellowships are offered in conjunction with a PhD position, subject to the Fellow satisfying the university’s admissions requirements for PhD study.
The Fellowships will provide a salary that includes a living allowance of around €40,000 p.a. plus a mobility allowance of around €6,425 p.a..
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. This will route you to the University’s Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Please ensure that you upload a cover letter stating clearly which project you are interested in, your CV, detailed academic transcripts and the contact details for two academic referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a recruitment workshop to be held in Cambridge in July.
For queries regarding this post, please contact Professor Jonathan Nitschke (jrn34@cam.ac.uk) or Dr Anna McConnell (am2243@cam.ac.uk).
For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Lisa Masters (lm554@cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference MA06118 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months.
Reference: MA06118
Closing Date Monday, 22 June, 2015