Rigid 3D Scaffolds by a Diversity-Generating Functional-Structural-Skeletal Elaboration Approach

This project will design and develop functional building blocks that will provide access to skeletally and functionally diverse systems through application of a suite of complexity-building catalytic methods. The reactivity of these new building blocks will be explored and routes developed to allow scalable preparation of functionalised motifs suitable for elaboration into compound libraries filling new volumes of chemical space. The researcher will develop skills in catalysis and reaction optimisation, structure-reactivity relationships and multi-step synthesis.

This position is one of six available as part of the iDesign project which will use cutting-edge organic synthesis methods to prepare novel libraries of architecturally and functionally diverse, three-dimensional molecules, which possess desirable physicochemical properties for drug discovery. In addition to their research project, the researcher will undertake multidisciplinary training in diverse aspects of early-stage drug discovery. Delivered by experts from academia and industry, this training will ensure the appointed researcher graduates with the knowledge and skills to set new agendas that will inform the future directions of drug discovery.

This project will be a collaboration between the Davies group at the University of Birmingham (UK) and Mercachem B.V. (The Netherlands) and the researcher will spend equal time at both institutions taking advantage of the leading specialist facilities and expertise at each site. Candidates should have an interest in structure and function, multi-step synthesis, method development and transition-metal catalysis.

The period of the PhD registration will be 36 months in total; based for 18 months at The University of Birmingham and the remaining 18 months at the industry partner.

To apply, please visit the following website: https://goo.gl/2ZKXjf