We do not currently have any funded opportunities, but are always happy to support competitive candidates apply for fellowships. Please get in touch if you are interested in exploring fellowship opportunities in our team!
PhD Studentship in Predictable Mechanical Activation in Molecular Crystals
Applications are sought for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham (UoB) in collaboration with the International Fine Particle Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Diamond Light Source. The position is only suitable for students eligible for home/UK fee rates and carries an enhanced tax-free stipend above UKRI rates of approx. £ 24000/year.
The project. This project will develop a new framework for designing mechanochemical reaction profiles in molecular crystals, with a particular focus on understanding the structural origins of mechanical activation and its impact on transformation rates. You will leverage state-of-the-art computational tools pioneered in our group to predict local mechanical properties in molecular crystals,[1] benchmarked against advanced atomic force microscopy measurements. Building on our group’s pioneering developments in time-resolved in situ powder diffraction,[2] you will establish a framework to link local and bulk mechanical activation effects, and evaluate how mechanical activation influences mechanochemical transformation kinetics. Working in the group of Dr Adam Michalchuk, in collaboration with Prof Giovanni Costantini (UoB) and Dr Xiaojiao Liu (DLS), you will gain hands-on experience in mechanochemistry, and materials characterisation through both computational modelling and advanced experimental techniques, including atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The successful candidate will undertake extended stays at the Diamond Light Source, contributing to the development of next-generation capabilities at the UK’s national research facility. Working in close cooperation with IFPRI, the candidate will engage with leading industrial partners, offering unique mentorship opportunities and the chance to translate fundamental research into industrial practice.
[1]. J Chem. Theory Comput. (2026), 22 4742-4757;
[2] Nat. Commun. (2021) 12, 6134.
PhD Studentship in Supramolecular Host Engineering for Enhanced CWA Capture and Neutralisation
Applications are sought for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham (UoB) in collaboration with the UK Defence science and technology laboratory (Dstl). The position is only suitable for students eligible for home/UK fee rates and carries an enhanced tax-free stipend above UKRI rates of approx. £ 26000/year.
The project. This project will develop a physics-informed computational workflow for the discovery of novel supramolecular host systems capable of effectively capturing and catalysing the decomposition of chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Working across the groups of Dr Andrew Tarzia and Dr Adam Michalchuk, and in collaboration with the scientists at Dstl, you will develop low-cost quantum mechanical approaches to modelling the effect of non-covalent interactions on bond decomposition (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/cp/d5cp00852b), and the workflows to implement such interactions into supramolecular hosts (https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/cc/d2cc00532h).
You will learn a wide range of molecular modelling and data-driven techniques, including a mixture of classical and quantum mechanics simulations, cheminformatics and machine learning, as well as collaborative software development, providing expertise for a broad range of future careers (e.g., academia, pharmaceuticals/materials industry, data science). Additionally, you will gain research and communication skills, including a strong emphasis on integrating computational and experimental chemistry. Additional training in a wide range of soft and hard skills is available at the University. This studentship also comes with funds for training and travel, including conference and collaboration possibilities.
PhD Studentship in Cocrystals as Probes for the Local Conditions in Resonant Acoustic Mixing
Applications are sought for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham (UoB) in collaboration with the UK Defence science and technology laboratory (Dstl). The position is only suitable for students eligible for home/UK fee rates and carries an enhanced tax-free stipend above UKRI rates of approx. £ 26000/year.
The project. This project will establish critical understanding that is essential for the further development of RAM as a safe, reliable tool in materials research. It has the potential to be a keystone in understanding the practical value, as well as fundamental understanding, of RAM, ensuring the candidate is well placed for future careers in both academia and industry. Working in the groups of Dr Adam Michalchuk and Prof Tomislav Friščić, and in collaboration with scientists at Dstl, you will develop model cocrystal systems to study the local temperature and pressure environments during RAM mixing. You will leverage a range of advanced experimental techniques to characterise material after RAM mixing, and experiments will be complemented by ab initio computational models. The candidate will also have opportunities to conduct experiments at (inter)national laboratories such as the Diamond Light Source. There may be additional opportunities to undertake placements at Dstl to work on live mixes.
The project will leverage the world’s only Facility for Resonant Acoustic Mixing, housed within the University of Birmingham’s School of Chemistry Centre for Mechanochemistry and Mechanical Processing (BCM2).
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
🚨We are happy to support candidates for the 2026 Birmingham Chemistry Scholarship. Details can be found here
Deadline 1 Feb 2026
3.5-year funding (tuition + stipend)
The project topic is flexible and can be discussed with Adam
Email Adam as soon as possible to express interest and discuss application
We are always happy to support students applying for their own funding.
We are happy to support students looking to conduct their MSc thesis research. Students are welcome to discuss projects in line with our group's research topics, and we also always welcome new ideas!