Computationally-Guided Catalytic Methods for C-C Bond Formation

A fully-funded, industry-linked, PhD Studentship is available in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. This will be under the collaborative supervision of Dr David M. Lindsay and Professor William J. Kerr. The position is expected to commence in October 2023, and is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, for a duration of 4 years.

The general interests of the Kerr and Lindsay laboratories cover a broad range of metal-mediated synthetic organic chemistry and, in particular, in the development of new preparative techniques, the creation of asymmetric processes, and the use of these emerging methods in total synthesis programmes.

 The available project will explore new methods for directed C-H activation and C-C bond formation, based on a class of iridium(I) complexes developed at Strathclyde, which are state-of-the-art in ortho-C-H activation. Recent work has employed this catalyst class in a limited range of substrates within the proposed transformation. This project will develop a theoretical understanding of the process, including substrate and ligand parameterisation, to design new catalyst systems that will considerably broaden the scope of this process, and allow access to new heterocyclic scaffolds of pharmaceutical interest.

The successful applicant will join an extremely motivated and industrious research team and will receive elevated levels of training in the areas of preparative chemistry, organometallic-based synthesis, reaction mechanism, computational methods, and the associated analytical/spectroscopic requirements.

 Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a strong MChem (or equivalent) degree as a requirement of the funding. Additionally, the position is well suited to students with significant experience in Synthetic Organic Chemistry obtained either through industrial placement or as part of an MChem/MSci research project.

Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Laura C. Paterson (laura.c.paterson@strath.ac.uk), which should include:

• Cover letter, detailing your experience and motivation for PhD studies 

• CV with two referees details included 

• Full transcripts from your undergraduate degree

• Other pertinent information (e.g., publications, awards, and other distinctions)