Approaches amino acid building blocks by catalytic asymmetric reduction

This project aims to provide access to new areas of ‘chemical space’ through developing efficient methods to prepare unnatural amino acids, versatile building blocks employed extensively in the medicinal chemistry sector. It will employ expertise in asymmetric catalysis from the Jones group to develop methodology access innovative amino acids of significant interest. The project is an EPSRC CASE award, part support by Redbrick Molecular Ltd, where the successful applicant will spend a placement period during their study.

Applicants should apply via the University of Sheffield, specifically mentioning this project. In addition to the information required on the application form, applicants should also upload the following information.

• A one page document, answering the following questions:
(1) Why do you want to study for a PhD?
(2) Please describe a challenge that you encountered in the last two years and what you did to overcome this. What did you learn from this experience?
(3) Describe one positive and one negative aspect of yourself and how these influence the way that you work.

• Three slides, two of which illustrate a chemistry project that you have been involved with, and a third outlining a modern innovation in chemistry that you have found to be interesting.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Simon Jones ([Email Address Removed]). The closing date is Wednesday 28th February 2018.