1. The Development of Descriptors to Predict NH3 Production Performance on Metal-Support Composite Materials
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
This project is part of a 4 year Dual PhD degree programme between the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in England. As Part of the NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Award students are in the unique position of being able to gain 2 PhD awards at the end of their degree from two internationally recognised world leading Universities. As well as benefiting from a rich cultural experience, Students can draw on large scale national facilities of both countries and create a worldwide network of contacts across 2 continents.
Ammonia synthesis is fundamental to the manufacture of fertilizers and many varieties of compounds. However, industrial ammonia production contributes roughly 1% of energy consumption and about 1.9 tons of CO2 emission / 1 ton of NH3 in recent years. The slow kinetics of NH3 synthesis mean that current industrial NH3 production is carried out at high-temperature (~700 K) and high-pressure (~100 atm). Research into NH3 synthesis catalysts operating under milder conditions aims to improve the efficiency of NH3 production and decrease the CO2 emission during NH3 production.
One powerful tool to study the catalytic reaction mechanism is density functional theory (DFT). The DFT method is widely used to identify the reaction energy, activation energy, and the metastable intermediate of each sub-process in the whole NH3 synthesis reaction. Descriptors are also often used to evaluate a materials’ NH3 catalytic performance, aiming to predict the catalytic performance of complex catalytic reactions like NH3 synthesis. These descriptors are relatively simple physiochemical quantities which strongly correlate to the catalytic activity in complex reactions. A good descriptor could predict the catalytic activity via simple DFT calculation, and it also provides some critical concepts to explain dominated factors in the complex reaction. However, in the state-of-art, most of the descriptors relating to NH3 production descriptors only consider pure materials or active materials on graphene. These descriptors do not consider the effect of complicated metal-support interaction of composite catalysts such as FeOOH/Al2O3 and Ru/BaCeO3−xNyHz whose catalytic performance are strongly correlated to the metal cluster size, support species, and strength of metal-support interaction. In this project, we plan to develop a series of descriptors to find the dominated factors of metal clusters and support materials that influence the performance of catalysts for NH3 synthesis, and then to propose new strategies to design new composite ammonia catalysts. Then, the new strategies will be used by a collaborating experimental group in the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan.
For academic enquires please contact Matthew Dyer (M.S.Dyer@liverpool.ac.uk) or Hsin-Yi Tiffany Chen (hsinyi.tiffany.chen@gapp.nthu.edu.tw)
For enquires on the application process or to find out more about the Dual programme please contact spspgr@liverpool.ac.uk
To apply for this opportunity, please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ When applying please ensure you Quote the supervisor & project title you wish to apply for and note ‘NTHU-UoL Dual Scholarship’ when asked for details of how plan to finance your studies.
Funding Notes
This project is a part of a 4-year dual PhD programme between National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in England. It is planned that students will spend 3 years at NTHU, followed by 1 years at the University of Liverpool.
Both the University of Liverpool and NTHU have agreed to waive the tuition fees for the duration of the project and stipend of TWD 11,000/month will be provided as a contribution to living costs (the equivalent of £280 per month when in Liverpool).
2. A Mobile Robotic Chemist for Reaction Optimisation (ICASE studentship with AstraZeneca)
Description
This opportunity will remain open until the position has been filled and so early applications are encouraged.
A fully funded PhD studentship is available in collaboration with AstraZeneca.
In this project, you will build on our recent work on intelligent mobile robotic chemists (Nature 2020, 583, 237–241, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-53029854) to develop a smart, connected automated workflow for reaction optimisation. The overall aim will be to create a unique and flexible approach to accelerate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development by leveraging the state-of-the-art in artificial intelligence, chemistry automation, and robotics.
The project will be supervised by Prof. Andy Cooper (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/cooper-group/) and Dr John Ward. You will have access to unique facilities in the state-of-the-art Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/materials-innovation-factory) and will be part of a multi-disciplinary team at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/leverhulme-research-centre/) working with computational chemists, synthetic chemists, and also engineers and computer scientists developing the use of robots in the Autonomous Chemistry Laboratory. The PhD will include a 3 month secondment to AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield site (located approximately 1 hour by car from the University of Liverpool).
We are looking for candidates with an enthusiasm for research, multidisciplinary collaboration and tackling challenging problems through teamwork. Prior research experience (such as a Masters research project or equivalent) in organic synthesis is desirable. Ideally, the candidate will have strong programming abilities (e.g., in Python, Java), but an interest in programming and a willingness to learn are essential. You do not need to have experience with robotics – the necessary skills will be taught during the PhD.
The position is available from 1st October 2022.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a good degree (equivalent to a UK First or Upper Second Class degree) in Chemistry or a related discipline.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact either John Ward (email: john.ward@liverpool.ac.uk) or Andy Cooper (email: aicooper@liverpool.ac.uk).
To apply for this opportunity please visit: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ and click on the 'Ready to apply? Apply online' button. Please include Curriculum Vitae, Two reference letters, Degree Transcripts to date.
Who to contact
Dr John Ward
Email: john.ward@liverpool.ac.uk
Availability
Open to students worldwide
Funding information
Funded studentship
The studentship will cover full tuition fees at the UK rate and pay a maintenance grant for 3.5 years (£15,609 p.a. with predicted annual increase) and is in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Applications from candidates meeting the eligibility requirements of the EPSRC are welcome – please refer to the EPSRC website: View Website Non-UK applicants may have to contribute to the higher non-UK tuition fees.
Supervisors
Dr John Ward
Prof Andy Cooper
3. A Multi-Omics approach to understanding cardiovascular risk in patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease
Description
Background.
End-stage Kidney failure, also known as End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), is the final, irreversible stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), where kidney function has worsened to the point that the kidneys can no longer function independently. In 2009, an estimated 7,000 extra strokes and 12,000 extra myocardial infarctions per year were due to CKD in the UK, costing the NHS over £170 million. However, it is cardiovascular complications rather than impaired renal function that are the leading cause of death in ESKD. This is due to CKD/ESKD being a chronic systemic proinflammatory state contributing to vascular and myocardial remodelling, atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and senescence, cardiac fibrosis, valve calcification and complex dyslipidaemia. Also, in CKD, due to uraemia, there is disruption of the microbiome and gut barrier function that allows translocation of endotoxin and bacterial metabolites to the systemic circulation, contributing to inflammation associated cardiovascular disease. In this respect, CKD mimics accelerated ageing of the cardiovascular system. As a result, these patients are at increased risk of developing heart failure, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and sudden heart death.
Circulating blood cardiac biomarkers provide an insight into various aspects of cardiovascular health including injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. There are several promising new cardiovascular biomarkers (soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (ST-2), galectin-3, and Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyC)), but their role in risk stratification in ESKD is yet unknown. In ESKD, lipid dynamics are also altered with an upregulation of small, dense, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles that remain in the circulation for longer and are capable of inducing inflammation. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) also becomes dysfunctional, with impaired maturation, altered molecular composition, depressed anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory functions, and clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Together, along with microbiome dysregulation contribute to cardiovascular disease in ESKD.
Therefore by measuring cardiac biomarkers, HDL-particle number and function and microbiome composition, could aid in early detection of heart disease/damage in patient with ESKD.
Aim and Objectives
1. To identify metabolomic and genomic patterns associated with cardiovascular disease in ESKD.
2. Assess the utility of putative metabolomic and genomic pattern in predicting deterioration in cardiac function and incidence major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with ESKD.
3. Determine the utility of existing and new cardiac biomarkers in predicting deterioration in cardiac function and incident MACE in patients with ESKD.
4. To characterise the microbiome in patients with ESKD and its association with incident MACE.
Methods
Blood samples and clinical data will be obtained from dialysis patients at Royal Liverpool University Hospital to conduct proteomics, mass-spectrometry based metabolomics and microbiome assessment. We will use a targeted approach to understand the function of the current biomarkers listed above but also a global approach to identify new biomarkers. Students will gain experience in phlebotomy, SWATH based mass spectrometry that will be used to analyse patient serum samples, metabolomic analysis and large-scale data handling. Proteomic analysis using tools such as DAVID and Reactome will be used to evaluate global changes and biomarker release. Validation of biomarkers and differential expressed proteins will establish skills including cell culture, western blotting, immunofluorescence and ELISA. The student will also gain some experience of genomic analysis (Amplification of genomic DNA analysed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing).
Applicant Information
The successful applicant should have an interest in renal, cardiovascular disease and biomarkers and hold a minimum of a 2:1 in a science or health-related subject.
The successful applicant will be trained during the PhD in both bench and bedside skills, which are essential for a clinical research career. The successful candidate will assist with collecting and processing blood samples for analysis, undertake laboratory work, data processing and analysis and the preparation of abstracts and papers for publication. In addition, the successful candidate will benefit from working in a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and scientists at the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science with expertise in clinical practice, appraising literature (systematic review), laboratory methods and analysis, database skills and statistical skills.
Furthermore, all postgraduate students undertake the Post Graduate Rsearcher (PGR) Development Programme which aims to enhance their skills for a successful research experience and career. They are required to maintain an online record of their progress and record their personal and professional development throughout their research degree. The Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science holds monthly research group meetings where students are given opportunities to present their research.
The Institute of Life Course and Medical Science is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.
HOW TO APPLY?
Application is by CV and covering letter. The covering letter must detail your interest in the studentship, related experience and training and suitability for the position. Applications should be sent to Dr Anirudh Rao (
Anirudh.Rao@liverpoolft.nhs.uk).
Who to contact
Dr Anirudh Rao
Availability
Open to students worldwide
Funding information
Self-funded project
We are looking for self-funded students or students who have secured funding from an independent body. There is no financial support available from Liverpool for this study. Please see website for PhD student fees at the University of Liverpool View Website.
The successful applicant will be expected to have funding in place for the tuition fees (check University of Liverpool website), consumables/bench fee (£ 15000 per annum) and living expenses during their stay in Liverpool.
Supervisors
Dr Anirudh Rao
Dr Gary McDowell
Prof GYH Lip
4. A Sulfate-Editing Toolbox for Renewable Industrial Polysaccharide Production
Description
This studentship offers an incredible opportunity, in partnership with Unilever, to tackle industrial and environmental issues by replacing the use of fossil fuel derived petrochemicals with sulfated carbohydrates across a range of industrial products. The research program offers the student the chance to learn a range of chemical, enzymological, and biotechnological whilst tackling an industrially relevant, real world, issue.
The addition and removal of sulfate groups drastically alters the properties of the biological molecules to which they are attached, and this is particularly true for carbohydrates, which are enzymatically ‘edited’ at hydroxyl groups by a family of site-specific sulfotransferases (which add sulfate) and sulfatases (which subsequently remove them). Generating a balance of sulfate is critical for biological function, just as it is for industrial functionality, such as their gelling and viscous properties. Sulfated carbohydrates, such as seaweed-derived carrageenans, have numerous biotechnological applications, including as food thickeners or chemical modifiers in both detergents and high-end cosmetics. Furthermore, an expansion of sulfated carrageenans is one way of replacing those derived from fossil fuel production, an environmentally favourable approach, and one able to contribute to a circular bioeconomy. Carageenans are widely available and can be extracted easily from red seaweeds such as Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss). However, their enzymatic optimization in terms of sulfation, their detailed structure-function relationships, as well as their analysis and benchmarking for quality control and regulatory purposes, remain relatively unexplored.
The studentship should be commenced before the end of 2022.
HOW TO APPLY?
· a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
· a covering letter – clearly stating your first choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
· copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
· a copy of your passport (photo page).
Informal enquiries may be made to
eayates@liverpool.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th July at 12noon (UK time).
Note on English language requirements for international applicants: All students applying to the University of Liverpool must demonstrate that they are competent in the use of the English language and satisfy the University’s requirements. Please see this page for more details on specific requirements: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/international/apply/english-language/.
Who to contact
Dr Edwin Yates
Availability
Open to students worldwide
Funding information
Funded studentship
CASE studentships are funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for 4 years. Funding will cover tuition fees at the UK rate only, a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) and stipend. We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
Supervisors
Dr Edwin Yates
Dr A Cartmell
5. Automation of biodegradation testing using robots
Description
This opportunity will remain open until the position has been filled and so early applications are encouraged.
A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the area of polymer synthesis and biodegradability assessment, to work in a team of scientists funded by the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership ‘Cleaner Futures (Next-Generation Sustainable Materials for Consumer Products)’. The Prosperity Partnership is a collaboration between Unilever, the University of Liverpool and the University of Oxford. This new partnership will address how to achieve the UK Government's 2019 target of Net-Zero by 2050, through disruptive innovation in the current chemical supply chain.
Within this studentship, you will develop new automated methods to assess the biodegradability and other relevant properties of polymeric materials. You will work in close collaboration with polymer chemists at the University of Oxford who will advise on selection of materials and with automation/robotics experts in Liverpool who will assist with creating high throughput automated methods. Your role will be to design, run and analyse the results of the automated chemistry experiments.
The project will be based in the materials discovery research group led by Prof. Andy Cooper (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/cooper-group/). The project will also have access to unique facilities in the state-of-the-art Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool (
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/materials-innovation-factory). You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team which includes collaborators at the University of Oxford and Unilever. Through these collaborations, you will interact with computational chemists, synthetic chemists, and also engineers and computer scientists developing the use of robots in the materials chemistry laboratory.
We are looking for candidates with an enthusiasm for research, multidisciplinary collaboration and tackling challenging problems through teamwork. You do not need to have experience with robotics. Experience in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry would be an advantage, as well as excellent presentation skills.
The position is available from 1st October 2022.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a good degree (equivalent to a UK first or upper second class) in chemistry, materials science or a related discipline.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact either Andy Cooper (email:
aicooper@liverpool.ac.uk).
To apply please visit:
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ and click on the 'Ready to apply? Apply online' button. Please include Curriculum Vitae, Two reference letters, Degree Transcripts to date. Please ensure you quote the following reference on your application: Reference CCPR038 - Automation of biodegradation testing using robots.
Who to contact
Professor Andy Cooper
Availability
Open to students worldwide
Funding information
Funded studentship
Applications from candidates meeting the eligibility requirements of the EPSRC are welcome – please refer to EPSRC website: View Website The award will pay full tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years. The maintenance grant will be at the UKRI rate, currently £15,609.00 per annum for 2021-22, subject to possible increase . The award will pay full home tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years. Non-UK applicants may have to contribute to the higher non-UK tuition fees.
Supervisors
Professor Andy Cooper
![Immunology Serology & A LABORATORY PERSPECTIVE By Christine_Dorresteyn_Stevens]](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3EpVMWcoKw/WxY6-6I4--I/AAAAAAAAB2s/KzC0FqUQtkMdw7VzT6oOR_8vbZO6EJc-ACK4BGAYYCw/w100/nth.png)
![Immunology Serology & A LABORATORY PERSPECTIVE By Christine_Dorresteyn_Stevens]](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3EpVMWcoKw/WxY6-6I4--I/AAAAAAAAB2s/KzC0FqUQtkMdw7VzT6oOR_8vbZO6EJc-ACK4BGAYYCw/w680/nth.png)
1 Comments
Great idea man thanks for keeping it up all the time. I am very happy to see your standard about Residential Property Management Wirral. Really I appreciate you continuing your work.
ReplyDeleteFeedback will be Appreciated