High Throughput Collection of Reaction Data with Digital Image Analysis

As Chemistry adopt Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies more widely, the need for high quality chemical data has become a key obstacle which limits the progress of the field. High quality reaction data, which are critical in evaluating reactivity and predicting reaction outcome, are particularly scarce due to the cost and labour associated with traditional reaction profiling techniques, i.e. sampling and analysing 5-10 samples with GC or HPLC over the course of each reaction.<br /> <br /> An alternative approach will be developed in this project. Digital photography and image processing will be used to collect and translate reaction data for 96 reactions at once, with the help of a robotic platform. Thus, 5-10 images may contain the reaction data equivalent to 480-960 HPLC samples. The student will play the leading role in developing the imaging platform and the colorimetry techniques required to link images with reaction data.

<p>The project is best suited to a student with strong background and interest in organic chemistry and analytical chemistry. Prior knowledge of computer vision and image processing is not necessarily required, as training will be provided for these important transferable skills. The student will also benefit from interdisciplinary training and seminar programmes as a member of the <a href="https://www.iprd.leeds.ac.uk/">Institute of Process Research &amp; Development</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/leeds-institute-textiles-colour">Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour</a>.</p> <p>More detail on this and other projects will be made available by contacting Dr Bao N Nguyen at <a href="mailto:b.nguyen@leeds.ac.uk.">b.nguyen@leeds.ac.uk.</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry</strong></em> and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is<em><strong>&nbsp;High Throughput Collection of Reaction Data with Digital Image Analysis</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4205/dr-bao-nguyen">Dr Bao Nguyen</a>&nbsp;/ <a href="https://baonguyen.group">Bao Nguyen Research Group</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 31 May 2024:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information:&nbsp; School of Chemistry (EP/X021033/1)</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>A highly competitive School of Chemistry PhD Studentship in support of <a href="https://gow.epsrc.ukri.org/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/X021033/1">EPSRC Grant &ndash; Adopting Green Solvents through Predicting Reaction Outcomes with AI/Machine Learning</a>, offering the award of fees at the UK fee rate (currently &pound;4,712 for academic session 2023/24), together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;18,622 for 3.5 years.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the School of Chemistry Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Bao Nguyen by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">b.nguyen@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;or by telephone to&nbsp;+44 (0)113 343 0109</p> <p>For further information about you application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>