UK/EU Studentship: Metal-Organic Framework Adsorbents for Gas Adsorption

University of Cambridge - Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

This is a 4-year PhD project studentship funded by an Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE) to start October 2015, and it is only open to citizens of the UK and EU. We regret that we are unable to consider non-UK/non-EU citizens for this project. To determine if you are eligible, please visit: http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/studentregistry/fees/funding/councils/eligibility.html In addition, students would need to be eligible for 'Home Fees' according to the criteria at:http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/students/studentregistry/fees/costs/status.html

Full details can be found here: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/

We are currently recruiting an outstanding PhD candidate for project involving molecular simulations for adsorption processes in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The project is a collaborative research program between the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology (CEB), University of Cambridge, and Shell.

The project lies at the interface between chemical engineering and physical chemistry, and focuses in the use of porous MOFs, one of the most exciting developments in recent porous materials science, for gas storage under the activities of Shell. The approach is based in the use of high-throughput grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) molecular simulations to screen a series of MOF candidates and identify the structure-property relations for the given application. The identification of optimal materials will allow us to proceed with the experimental synthesis, characterisation and performance analysis. The principal question for this project is: How do the different building blocks and topologies influence the adsorption performance? Key questions include: What are the most appropriate structures, pore shapes and windows sizes for these applications? Are these materials stable enough?

The ideal candidate will have a 1st class degree or equivalent in chemical engineering, physics, chemistry or a related scientific discipline, and experience in cross-disciplinary work (If your degree is from outside the UK, please visit: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk//international-students/international-qualifications to determine if your final grade/mark equates to a UK First). Previous experience in computational methods and programming are welcome. This is a multidisciplinary project, and the successful candidate will benefit from an extensive peer-group of researchers, as well as acquiring skills in adsorption, porous materials and computational methods that are in high demand in both industry and academia.

More information can be found at: http://people.ds.cam.ac.uk/df334

To apply for this position, please send the following to Mrs Amanda Taylor recruitment<στο>ceb.cam.ac.ukby 17:00 on Wednesday 16th March 2015:

  • Include the vacancy reference number, NQ05470, in the subject line of your email
  • A detailed curriculum vitae
  • Transcripts and/or degree certificates that include numerical details of grades obtained in relevant examinations/courses.

The successful candidate will be expected to formally apply for admission as a PhD student and meet any conditions of admission set by the University. More information, including the University's entrance requirements, can be found at: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

Please quote reference NQ05470 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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