PhD Studentship in Organic Synthesis - Development of New Catalytic Methods for Enantioconvergent Synthesis

This is a tax-free stipend covering tuition fees and living expenses at the standard EPSRC rate (commencing at ~£14,553 per year from September-2017 for a period of 3 years).

Project Description: This project will focus on the development of new catalytic methods for enantioconvergent synthesis, including Diels–Alder reactions and multi-bond forming domino reaction sequences. Application of these methods in the biomimetic synthesis of complex and biologically active natural products will be explored. Through this research we will improve the efficiency and practicality of modern organic synthesis by exploring fundamental questions regarding the chemical reactivity and selectivity at play in biosynthetic pathways. This project will provide a great training in practical synthetic chemistry with the candidate exposed to a great variety of synthetic techniques and analytical methods. For representative examples of total syntheses completed by the Lawrence group, see the following publications:

1. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 8421–8425.
2. Chem. Sci. 2015, 6, 3886–3890.
3. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 1795–1798.
4. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 13273–13275.
5. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2013, 52, 4221–4224.

Research Environment: This project is fully funded by the School of Chemistry (University of Edinburgh) and the successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr Andrew Lawrence.

Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy RCUK residency rules: “to be eligible for a full award a student must have no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship” (for more details see http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/). Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in Chemistry (at least an upper-second) and will preferably have experience of working in a synthetic organic chemistry laboratory (e.g., research project or industrial placement).

How to apply: Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Andrew Lawrence ([Email Address Removed]), which should include:

• Cover letter, detailing your background and motivation for applying for this project
• CV with the details of two personal referees
• Other information for consideration (e.g., publications)

Contact and Further Information: Interested candidates are welcome to e-mail any questions directly to Dr Andrew Lawrence ([Email Address Removed]). More information about the Lawrence Research Group can be found on our website (http://www.lawrence-group.org/).
The deadline for applications is 15 May 2017 but applications will be considered as they are received.