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  Sustainable Synthesis of Drug Scaffolds from Biorenewable Feedstocks Using Visible Light Photocatalysis


   Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change

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  Prof Philip Chan, Dr Alexander Cresswell, Dr Sourav Chatterjee  No more applications being accepted  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

The University of Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change is inviting applications for the following PhD project which is part of a joint PhD programme between the University of Bath and Monash University in Australia. 

This project is one of a number that are in competition for up to two funded studentships. 

 Home institution: Monash University

Supervisor(s) at Bath: Dr Alexander Cresswell, Dr Sourav Chatterjee

Supervisor(s) at Monash: Prof Philip Chan

The project will be carried out in collaboration with AstraZeneca, by linking to an existing iCASE project. It will explore the sustainable synthesis of azaspirocyclic scaffolds for drug discovery, using biorenewable itaconic acid as a key feedstock (generated on large scale annually by the fermentation of glucose). In the Cresswell and Chatterjee labs, automated flow chemistry will be used to optimise and conduct visible-light photocatalysed C–H functionalisation reactions on unprotected primary amines, to generate spirocyclic δ-lactams on multigram scales. In the Chan lab, these novel, polyfunctional scaffolds will be used as a testbed to invent new catalytic reactions for azaspirocycle functionalisation that address challenges in chemo-, site-, and stereoselectivity control. Together, this will provide sustainable and scalable methodology to access new and highly desirable 3D chemical space for ongoing drug design programmes at AstraZeneca.

To apply:

We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies. 

You may express an interest in up to three projects in order of preference. 

Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.

If this is your preferred project, please fill out the Monash Expression of Interest form.

Studentship eligibility

Funding for Monash-based projects, such as the one advertised here, is available to candidates of any nationality. 

Please see the Monash website for a full list of projects where Monash is the Home institution.

Chemistry (6)

Funding Notes

Bath Monash PhD studentships include tuition fee sponsorship and a living allowance (stipend) for up to 42 months maximum. Non-Australian nationals studying in Australia will be required to pay their own Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).


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