Photoswitchable rotaxane receptors for chemical warfare agent detection and remediation

About the project

Photoswitchable rotaxanes offer a new platform for highly specific receptors that can bind and release analytes in response to light. This project will focus on the synthesis of rotaxanes featuring light-responsive binding motifs, exploring their potential as a new technology for detecting and remediating chemical warfare agents.

This project will explore the design of photoactive mechanically interlocked architectures that can bind and release chemical warfare agent simulants, based on recent photoswitch-rotaxane work conducted in the Williams group. The project will involve the synthesis of complex molecules, analysis of their photophysical properties, and then their supramolecular binding affinities with mulitple analytes. This will be complemented by crystallographic studies, offering opportunities to access the world class facilities hosted at the University of Southampton.

You will be expected to actively contribute to conferences and group meetings, and will receive training in the following scientific skills (amongst others):

We welcome applicants with an interest in applying chemistry to real-world problems in defence and security. A first degree in Chemistry is required. Familiarity with, or experience in, organic synthesis would be preferred, but applicants are not expected to have experience in all of the specialist techniques used within the project.

The project may particularly suit applicants who are interested in developing new skills and working with partners and collaborators across the University. The Williams group hosts researchers from a range of backgrounds working on varied projects, and prides itself on offering a supportive and welcoming environment.

For more information, please visit the Williams group website .

• complex organic synthesis and associated analysis
• photophysical characterisation
• supramolecular binding studies
• X-ray and electron diffraction techniques

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: Dr George Williams Lecturer

Dr George Williams

• Dr George Williams: Lecturer

Dr Mark Light

• Single crystal X-ray diffraction
• Powder and materials X-ray diffraction
• Total scattering and pair distribution function analysis

Dr Daniel Rainer

• 3DED (3D electron difraction)
• Electron microscopy
• Structural characterisation, especially of porous materials such as zeolites, MOFs, ...

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent in chemistry.

• We expect you to have an interest in applying chemistry to address real-world defence and security challenges.
• Familiarity with, or experience in, organic synthesis would be useful.
• Experience in any combination of synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy, supramolecular chemistry or structural characterisation may also be helpful, but applicants are not expected to have experience in all of these areas. Specialist training in the techniques required for the project will be provided.
• We encourage applications from candidates interested in developing new skills and working across different areas of chemistry.

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30k per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for "complex integrated systems"
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr George Williams (g.t.williams@soton.ac.uk).

Research areas