We have 2 projects under E4 DTP, both with a deadline on the 4th of Jan 2024. Please follow the links to apply.
1. Ultracool Chemistry in Noctilucent Clouds
Apply here.
2. Application of high-throughput simulations for informed design of optimised biochars for sequential treatment of emerging contaminants
Apply here.
Understanding interactions between minerals and small biopolymers under extreme conditions
The project combines computational screening and wet-lab experiments to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between silicate minerals and small biologically-relevant molecules, such as amino acids, peptides, peptoids and proteins. Our goal is to study the stability of these organic molecules and their mineral-enabled adaptability to environmental conditions. We will focus on sampling the effects of salinity, ion compositions and pH at the extremes of environmental conditions. The primary interest of this work is in the preservation of biosignatures on Mars, while the insights gained in the project have tremendous significance for a wide range of scientific problems, both fundamental (such as origin of life on the early Earth) to the applied (e.g., hazardous waste storage and environmental cleanup). The project is data-driven, where the statistics obtained from molecular simulations will be used to guide the experimental studies. Such a strategy allows us to establish a protocol where computational screening is used to sample mineral-bioorganic systems, informing and directing laboratory tests.
The project is supervised by Drs Valentina Erastova (School of Chemistry) and Sean McMahon (School of Physics & Astronomy) and is also hosted in the UK Center for Astrobiology.
The studentship is fully funded for 48 months by the University of Edinburgh and covers tuition fees and an annual stipend (starting at £17,668 per annum) for a candidate satisfying EPSRC residency criteria.
Enquiries and the initial application should be directed to:
Dr Valentina Erastova, valentina.erastova[at]ed.ac.uk
The position will remain open until filled.
We have two PhD positions available via E4 DTP for September 2023 start
Deadline: 12 noon, 5th of January 2023
Application process details here
Ultracool Chemistry in Noctilucent Clouds
Supervisors: Valentina Erastova, Charles Cockell and Basile Curchod (Bristol University)
Further details here
Design of Biochar for Sequestration of Emerging Pollutants
Supervisors: Ondrej Mašek and Valentina Erastova
Further details here
We are looking for a motivated UG student from the UK university to join our group with the NERC funded placement.
Bringing Atomic-level insights to Caesium Decontamination by Clay Minerals
The student will investigate the adsorption of Cs-137 onto montmorillonite and vermiculite clays at atomic-level resolution. They will use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, a theoretical method, providing atomistic-level details to macroscopic observations. Through this work we will gain a mechanistic understanding of the Cs-clay adsorption process and we will help inform the choice of natural clay between the local naturally available ones, on the nuclear waste disposal sites.
More details about project and eligibility here.
Application deadline 19th of May, apply here.
2 x PhD positions (click on the titles for further details):
Design of Biochar for Sequestration of Emergent Pollutants
Deadline: 7th January 2021, 12 noon
To apply follow the link www.ed.ac.uk/e4-dtp/how-to-apply
Funding & Eligibility: The studentship is fully-funded for 42 month, incl. home/international fees, research costs and UKRI stipend (currently at £15,285 per annum), and is part of the E4 Doctoral Training Partnership. For further details see Entry & Eligibility Criteria.
PhD studentship through E4 DOCTORAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
The project brings molecular modeling into biochar research, providing atomistic details to the key properties of biochar, and through this enabling the informed design and optimization of biochar for desirable functionality.
Full project description here
Supervisors Valentina Erastova and Ondrej Masek, UK Biochar Research Centre
Start: September 2020
Eligibility: Fully funded for UK and EU (with ILR) citizens
Deadline: 9th January 2020
Application process information here
PhD studentship through E4 DOCTORAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
“Weathering of Clays under Extreme Conditions: Implications for the Biosphere and Extraterrestrial Environments”
Full project description here
Supervisors Dr Valentina Erastova and Prof Charles Cockell, UK Centre for Astrobiology
Start: September 2020
Eligibility: Fully funded for UK and EU (with ILR) citizens
Deadline: 9th January 2020
Application process information here
Fully funded PhD position available
“Informing Design of Novel Materials for Chemical Pollution Remediation through Molecular Modelling“
in the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh.
Eligibility: UK/EU citizens.
Start: 2020, applications will be considered until a candidate is identified.
For enquiries contact Dr Valentina Erastova by email.
A 39-month PhD, under the supervision of Dr Paul Hodgkinson, funded by Leverhulme Trust, is available immediately in Durham University. The project aims to understand disorder in molecular organic solids using solid-state NMR, coupled with cutting-edge computational methods developed in the research group.
For more information see “Making Sense of Disorder in Molecular Organic Solids” www.findaphd.com
Or get in touch with myself or Dr Paul Hodgkinson paul.hodgkinson@durham.ac.uk
