Metal-Free Cross-Coupling for Late-Stage Functionalisation

The project will develop new approaches to metal-free C–C and C–N bond-formation using visible-light photoredox catalysis. In particular, we will target transformations of high strategic value to chemists in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, including direct alternatives to well-established metal-catalysed reactions (e.g., Buchwald-Hartwig amination). The methods developed should be intrinsically tolerant of nitrogen-rich heterocycles, enabling reliable functionalisation of complex, late-stage intermediates.

The successful student will receive comprehensive practical and theoretical training in modern synthetic chemistry of relevance to the pharmaceutical/agrochemical industry, and will be encouraged to attend relevant training courses and scientific conferences as part of their professional development. The training environment in Dr Cresswell’s laboratories will provide the student opportunities for direct input and guidance from Dr Cresswell in all aspects of the development toward a PhD. There will be a structured programme of interactions ranging from casual conversations in the laboratory to weekly meetings of research progress, to monthly research meetings on a 1-2-1 basis. In addition, weekly group meetings will provide the student with an opportunity to present literature topics of interest, to do a monthly literature survey, and to have total synthesis competitions in a team environment. In addition, the group meetings will present problems of reaction mechanism, synthetic methods and target synthesis. modern analytical tools (NMR, MS, GC, FT-IR, etc.). Group meetings and problem sets will provide exposure to advanced organic synthesis and the use of physical organic chemistry to interrogate reaction mechanisms. All of this offers excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue further research in either academia or industry.

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

This position is anticipated to be available from 1 October 2019 for 3.5 years.

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Alexander Cresswell by emailing [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUCH-FP01&code2=0013

Please ensure that you quote the supervisor’s name and project title in the ‘Your research interests’ section.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/