Applications are invited for a 3-year Ph.D. studentship in inorganic chemistry under the supervision of Dr Timothy Easun in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University.

The project will investigate the use of photoactive crystalline porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a platform for nanofluidic devices. Such materials offer the potential to act as hosts for controlled guest diffusion, in which laser-induced structural changes can direct the flow of guest species. Being able to study and control the movement of molecules on this scale offers exciting possibilities in the miniaturising of microfluidic devices used for medical diagnostics, sensing, and materials sorting applications, with one ultimate goal being single-molecule sorting. This is a new approach that builds on and diverges from the global MOF community into the realm of nanofluidics, offering rich opportunities for strongly motivated graduate students.

For more information on Dr Easun’s research please look at our website http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/69904-easun-tim

The successful applicant will likely have a good first degree (2.i or better) and Masters in Chemistry. First-hand experience in a relevant area of chemistry such as synthetic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, porous materials, photochemistry or photocrystallography is highly desirable including familiarity with vibrational spectroscopies (IR and Raman) and X-ray crystallography. A highly motivated student with good interpersonal skills, a drive to succeed and readiness to seize the opportunity will receive a thorough training in synthetic inorganic photochemistry and porous materials while taking a leading role in establishing this exciting new research program.

The studentship will commence on the 1st of October 2015 and is open to applications from UK and EU nationals.

Cardiff University reserves the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.