The development of molecular editing platforms, the process by which single atoms can be inserted or deleted selectively in or around a molecule’s skeleton, would be transformative to synthetic chemists across industry and academia for the streamlined development of new drugs. Using underexplored reactive intermediates generated through visible light, we aim to develop novel transformations for the catalytic editing of complex molecules.
The successful candidate will develop new synthetic methodologies for molecular editing using photoredox catalysis, as well as synthesise and characterise a range of new photocatalysts and bioactive molecules. Mechanistic analysis of new photocatalytic reactions will be undertaken using a combination of experimental techniques (EPR spectroscopy, NMR, spectrofluorimetry, and electrochemistry), in addition to ab initio calculations.
Informal enquires about the position and the chemistry are welcome, please contact Dr Aaron Trowbridge ([Email Address Removed], https://aarontrowbridge1.wixsite.com/trowbridgegroup). Please submit a cover letter and CV with your application. The cover letter should describe your research interests and motivation for the proposed project in a short paragraph. Please see the application process at: http://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/researchdegrees/howtoapply/
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science; the School’s website documenting activity in this area can be found at: https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/connect/social-responsibility/