PhD in Chemistry: Synthetic organic electrochemistry for the generation and utilization of heteroatom-centered radicals

Dr Louis Morrill (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/69691-morrill-louis) is looking for a PhD student to work on the research project “Organic electrosynthesis for the generation and utilization of heteroatom-centered radicals”. 

Research in the Morrill group is focused on inventing new reactions in organic chemistry and developing sustainable catalytic methodologies for synthesis. More details on Dr Morrill’s research program can be found at: http://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/themorrillgroup/. 

 Organic electrochemistry represents one of the cleanest possible chemical processing technologies. When wielded appropriately, just a single electron is all that is needed to initiate a reaction cascade that can result in the formation of complex molecules. Such cascades cannot often be accessed by other means. It is proven that electrochemistry has excellent potential to provide improved sustainability metrics and environmentally acceptable synthetic sequences, yet its adoption is far from widespread. Consequently, the breadth of its application as a technique to access useful chemical entities is yet to be fully realized. By careful tuning of electrochemical parameters, specific single electron transfers (oxidation and reduction) can be targeted, accessing powerful radical intermediates that have unique reactivity and chemoselectivity. To this end, a collection of challenging electrochemical transformations involving heteroarom-centered radicals will been developed This program will significantly advance synthetic organic electrochemistry, developing powerful transformations in a sustainable fashion. A highly motivated and dedicated student will gain a thorough training in synthetic organic chemistry and be rewarded with a highly stimulating project that will shape the future of this exciting new research program. Recent publications from the group in this area include: Chem. Commun., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/D1CC05824J; Org. Lett., 2019, 21, 9241.

Academic criteria

We require applicants to have a 2.2 BSc or equivalent to be considered for PhD study. Applications are particularly welcome from students with experience in organic synthesis and/or synthetic electrochemistry. 

If English if not your first language then you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate 

How to apply

To apply please complete the online application - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/chemistry and state the project title and supervisor name 

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr Louis C. Morrill (Email: MorrillLC@cardiff.ac.uk) for further information. Interested applicants should provide details of their qualifications, including a CV and a brief covering letter outlining their motivation and experience for the position. A formal application must also be submitted.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.