A PhD position working on “New and Improved Methods for Mixture Analysis by NMR” is available in the lab of Professor Gareth Morris FRS and Dr Mathias Nilsson in the School of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, UK. This project will investigate a range of ideas for extending the scope of NMR spectroscopy for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixtures.

These will include the latest pure shift methods, such as PSYCHE [see Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 53, 6990 (2014); J. Am Chem Soc. 136, 11867 (2014)]; DOSY experiments, including the use of chemically-selective co-solvents (matrix-assisted DOSY) to allow the signals of species of similar size to be separated; and new experiments for the accurate compensation of the effects of couplings and chemical shifts on quantitation.

Mixture analysis is a key tool in the pharmaceutical industry, so this project is partly supported by AstraZeneca. It will involve extensive experimental work both in the School of Chemistry, where we have 11 superconducting NMR spectrometers, and at AstraZenecas Macclesfield laboratories.

Who can apply:

Candidates possessing graduate degree in Chemistry or a related subject who have, or expect to receive, a good UK Honours degree (First or II.1) or equivalent can apply.

The University of Manchester is the largest university in the UK, rated no. 7 in Europe in the Shanghai Jiao Tong academic ranking of world universities ratings. The School of Chemistry, ranked 6th in Europe in the Nature Index, has internationally-competitive facilities, including 11 NMR spectrometers, and offers an excellent environment for research.

Further Information

Interested and potential applicants should email Professor Morris (g.a.morris@manchester.ac.uk) in the first instance, attaching a current CV in advance of a formal application.