New Metal-Catalysed Methods for C-H Activation Processes

A fully funded, industry-linked, PhD Studentship is available in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, under the collaborative supervision of Dr David M. Lindsay and Professor William J. Kerr. The position is flexible for start dates up until October 2022 and is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, for a duration of 4 years.

The general interests of the Lindsay and Kerr 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 meta-C-H activation using new catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde, which have grown from state-of-the-art ortho-C-H activation catalysis. These new methods will deliver complementary, flexible, and powerful methods to access a variety of pharmaceutically desired organic products and isotopically labelled late stage candidate-type molecules. As part of the overall programme of work, computationally-driven methods will be used to inform catalyst design and investigate reaction mechanism, in addition to directing the emerging reaction scope.

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 ([Email Address Removed]), 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)