Opportunities

We have two fully-funded, industry-linked, PhD studentships available for study commencing 25/26.

New Approaches to Iridium-Catalysed C-H Activation and Hydrogen Isotope Exchange

New methods for directed C-H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange will be explored, based on state-of-the-art isotopic labelling catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde. Mechanistic investigations, blending computational studies with rigorous experimental kinetic measurements, will inform new catalyst design. Additionally, a novel study into the role of deuterium gas in the exchange process, including reactor design, will provide key insights to deliver more effective labelling of complex drug-like molecules. The new catalysts and methods that emerge will provide a range of efficient methods to access a variety of isotopically labelled drug-like entities. The studentship is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, for a duration of 4 years.

New Iridium-catalysed Methods for the Direct Preparation of Isotopically-labelled Compounds of Pharmaceutical Importance

The project will explore new methods for direct hydrogen isotope exchange of oligonucleotides, and other heterocycles of elevated importance in drug discovery, using catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde. This will deliver flexible and powerful methods to access a variety of pharmaceutically desired organic products and isotopically labelled late-stage candidate-type molecules.  Computationally-driven methods will also be used to inform catalyst design and direct the emerging reaction scope. The studentship is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, for a duration of 3.5 years.

How to apply:

Applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a strong MChem (or equivalent) degree as a requirement of the funding. Additionally, the position is well suited to students with significant experience in Synthetic Organic Chemistry obtained either through industrial placement or as part of an MChem/MSci research project. Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Laura C. Paterson (laura.c.paterson@strath.ac.uk), which should include:

• Cover letter, detailing your experience and motivation for PhD studies; 
• CV with the details of two referees;
• Full transcripts from your undergraduate degree and any additional higher degree studies; and
• Other pertinent information (e.g., publications, awards, and other distinctions)

The successful applicants will join our extremely motivated and industrious research team, and will receive elevated levels of training in the areas of preparative chemistry, organometallic-based synthesis, reaction mechanism, computational methods, and the associated analytical/spectroscopic requirements. Industrial partners will also provide key training opportunities as aligned to the individual projects.