New C-H Functionalisation Strategies for Chemical Synthesis

Due to their value in pharmaceutical chemistry, innovative, efficient and low cost strategies to synthesis amine derivatives (including N-heterocycles) are required. Recent advances in this area involve the use of readily accessible reagents including acyl azides and 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones, that can be activated to form reactive metal-nitrene intermediates in the presence of transition metal catalysts. This project aims to discover new catalytically active complexes for C-H amination through the use of a combination of computational analysis and experimental approaches. This project will involve the development of quantitative structure-reactivity and selectivity models that map the influence that electronic and steric ligand variations have on catalyst rate and selectivity and lead to the discovery of new transition metal catalysed processes including the regioselective and enantioselective amination of feedstock chemicals including arenes and hydrocarbons.

The candidate:

The project would be suitable for anyone with a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry. Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent) and first author publication(s). Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Research Environment:

The project will be supervised by Dr Daniel Priebbenow (www.monash.edu/pharm/research/themes/medicinal-chemistry/priebbenow-group/home) in collaboration with other research teams at Monash University. The student will receive training in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Transferable skills including scientific communication, time management, project management will also be developed through Faculty PhD training programmes, group meetings and conference attendance/presentations.

The successfully candidate will join a highly active research group of PhD students and researchers at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Parkville, Melbourne. The highly collaborative Institute comprises a range of chemistry- and biology-based research groups and is well equipped with synthesis and analytical equipment.

Please contact Dr Daniel Priebbenow (Email: daniel.priebbenow@monash.edu) for further information. Interested applicants should provide details of their qualifications, including a CV, publications and a brief covering letter outlining their motivation and experience for the position before the 28th February 2023.