Aryne-mediated synthesis of biologically active heterocycles

Research: The Jones group’s (https://joneschemistry.wordpress.com/) research is focused on developing new synthetic organic methodology that has the potential to impact upon contemporary socioeconomic issues such as new drug discovery and the need to find more sustainable chemical starting materials. We aim to develop these methods through the exploitation of reactive intermediates, as these species afford unique and powerful opportunities to control challenging new chemical and biological processes.

Building on preliminary work in our group, this project will focus on the use of arynes to access a range of biologically active benzo-fused 7-membered heterocyclic compounds in a single complexity-generating step from simple and readily available reagents. These new methods will afford opportunities to generate diverse substrate libraries based on the core heterocyclic motifs adorned with functionality typically associated with pharmaceutical and agrochemical activity; the properties of these new compounds will then be tested.

Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL): One of the UK’s leading research-focused higher education institutions, where multidisciplinary research is carried out at the highest level. QMUL is also a member of the prestigious Russell group of top UK universities. It is unique in London by providing a completely integrated residential campus.

Facilities and training: Dr Jones’ group is based in a modern building that is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for carrying out outstanding research in organic, inorganic, computational and biological chemistry. Students will receive extensive training in a large number of organic chemistry techniques, and routinely use equipment such as high field NMR, EPR, AFM, IR, UV-Vis and mass spectrometers, in addition to LCMS, GCMS and HPLC. Single crystal X-ray diffractometry is also available. We hold joint research group meetings on a weekly basis that cover theoretical organic chemistry problems, research update presentations and discussions of highlights from the recent literature. All researchers are part of the QMUL Doctoral College, which provides high quality training in transferable key skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork and entrepreneurship. Free English language courses are also available through the Queen Mary Language Centre.

Eligibility: Application requirements are listed on the SBCS foreign scholarship pages. International students must provide evidence of proficient English language skills; see QMUL entry requirements. A strong background in organic synthesis and practical research experience are essential.

How to apply: Interested candidates should contact Dr Jones by e-mail and submit their CV (including details of two referees) and a cover letter explaining their eligibility and how they intend to fund their project. Informal enquiries about the project are welcome. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail to arrange for a video interview.

Closing dates: Applications are accepted all year round and deadlines for specific funding schemes are listed on the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences foreign scholarship pages. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Jones as soon as possible.