Synthesis and Optimisation of Stimuli Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks in Flow

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous coordination polymers comprised of metal clusters/ions and organic linkers. MOFs show great potential for a wide range of applications in areas such as energy, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. The ability to control the pore environment of the MOF is one of their remarkable advantages and enables control over the structure and properties required for specific applications. Despite these advantages, the process of taking MOFs from discovery to scale-up and commercial exploitation take many years since current methods of MOF production are poorly reproducible, unsustainable, and conditions optimised in batch are not readily translatable to scaled up processing. We have demonstrated that microwave heating and flow chemistry are able to provide distinct processing advantages in the synthesis of MOFs owing to selective heating [1-5]. This project will build on our development of microwave flow reactor platforms for the discovery, optimisation, and scale-up of MOFs specifically targeting stimuli-responsive materials with new structures and particle characteristics. This will be underpinned by investigating the MOF self-assembly processes and structure-property relationships using a range of in-, on- and off-line characterisation techniques including X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies, and gas sorption.<br /> This project combines flow and materials chemistry, characterisation, and reaction optimisation. You will gain skills in synthetic co-ordination chemistry, advanced characterisation techniques, machine learning and operation of flow chemistry platforms. This project would be ideal for an ambitious and innovative researcher who enjoys working in a diverse and interdisciplinary team and is excited to learn new skills.<br /> <br />

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Benefits and facilities:</strong></p> <p>This is an exciting opportunity to join a group comprising >65 scientists and engineers with world-leading expertise in closed-loop manufacturing processes, machine-learning and online analytics. The group has a research portfolio of over £11M and strong track record of publications, patents, spin out technologies and working with industry. The work of the group is underpinned by state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge facilities worth >£100M in the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. There will also be opportunities for working with our collaborators at Diamond Light Source, the UK Facility for Analysis of Crystallisation in Flow Systems in Leeds, and industrial partners.</p> <p>Research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Laybourn and Dr. Chris Pask in the School of Chemistry and Institute of Process Research and Development, University of Leeds, UK.</p> <p><strong>References:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Laybourn et al. Chem. Eng. J., DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.09.011">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.09.011</a></li> <li>Woodliffe et al. Mater. Adv., DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MA00351E" target="_blank" title="Link to landing page via DOI">10.1039/D3MA00351E</a></li> <li>Thomas-Hillman et al. Green Chem., DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C9GC02375E" target="_blank" title="Link to landing page via DOI">10.1039/C9GC02375E</a> </li> <li>Laybourn et al. PCCP, DOI: <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CP05426E" target="_blank" title="Link to landing page via DOI">10.1039/C5CP05426E</a> </li> <li>Laybourn et al. J. Mater. Chem. A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C7TA01493G" target="_blank" title="Link to landing page via DOI">10.1039/C7TA01493</a></li> </ol> <p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Entry requirements:</strong></p> <p>We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated person with good interpersonal skills and a keen interest in research. The candidate must have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or 2:1 or a distinction or high merit British Masters Honours degree (or international equivalent) in chemistry or a related discipline. Those with crystallography-based experience are particularly encouraged to apply.  Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is open to UK candidates only. The studentship is expected to start early October 2026.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry FT </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Synthesis and Optimisation of Stimuli Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks in Flow</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/institute-process-research-development/staff/16055/dr-andrea-laybourn">Dr Andrea Laybourn</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is School of Chemistry Studentship 2026/27 (UKRI FLF).</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  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 30 January 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University'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>

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 Studentship, in support of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship Grant, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the studentship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about the project, please contact Dr Andrea Laybourn by email: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">A.Laybourn@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact the Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> </p>