Dr Sally Bloodworth, Prof Richard Whitby
No more applications being accepted
About the Project
PhD Supervisors: Prof. Richard J. Whitby and Dr Sally Bloodworth (joint)
This project focuses on the development of organotransition metal chemistry for the rapid multi-component construction of organic target molecules. A particular application will be the synthesis of ligands for orphan nuclear receptors, a group of transcription factors with important roles in development and cancer.
The successful applicant will initially employ organozirconium-mediated routes for the target synthesis of compounds designed using information from recently obtained crystal structures of receptor LRH-1 bound to ligands we have previously reported (J. Med. Chem., 2011, 2266).
Subsequently novel organotransition metal mediated reaction sequences will be developed, using sophisticated methods for reaction study which couple automated reaction techniques (e.g. continuous flow reactors, automated parallel batch reactors) with various spectroscopic methods (e.g. UV, IR, MS, HPLC, NMR, GC). Candidates should possess a strong interest in reaction mechanisms as well as synthesis and medicinal chemistry.
Funding Notes
The project is funded for 3 years and will be conducted in the modern laboratories of the ‘Organic Chemistry: Synthesis, Catalysis and Flow’ research section, supported by outstanding analytical services. We welcome applicants from the UK who have (or expect to obtain) at least an upper-second class degree in Chemistry or combined disciplines including Chemistry. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates.
Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants
References
Applications for this post (MPhil/PhD in Chemistry stating ‘Organotransition Metal Mediated Reactions for Synthesis of Orphan Nuclear Receptor Agonists.’) should be submitted online at https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4990&majr=4990&term=201516
General enquiries should be made to Prof. Richard J. Whitby at rjw1@soton.ac.uk or Dr Sally Bloodworth at S.Bloodworth@soton.ac.uk. Any queries relating to the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.