We have a fully-funded, industry-linked, PhD studentship available for study commencing in 2026/27. Project details and instructions on how to apply are described below.
New Iridium-Catalysed Methods for Stereoselective C=C Bond Reduction
Funded by the EPSRC, with additional support from GSK, an industry-linked, 4 year, PhD Studentship is available for starting now, and until October 2027 for eligible home fee students. The studentship is fully collaborative with GSK in Stevenage, UK, with a senior scientist from GSK co-supervising alongside Professor Kerr and Dr David Lindsay to provide a robust and comprehensive mentorship for the individual PhD researcher. The location of the studentship research will take place mainly within University laboratories, with an opportunity to spend 3 months in industry.
Dr Lindsay and Professor Kerr have pioneered iridium catalysts that enable C–H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE), and have recently demonstrated the applicability of these species to the reduction of C=C and C=N bonds. It is now proposed to extend these methods to the stereoselective reduction of C=C bonds. The Strathclyde expertise in catalyst design and mechanistic studies will combine with GSK inputs on targets, informatics, and application insight. Together, this collaboration will deliver new C=C reduction methodologies with direct impact on pharmaceutical research.
Closing date: 12.00 pm, Friday 25th September, 2026. Note: applications may be shared with the EPSRC and GSK.
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 research project.
Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Laura C. Paterson (laura.c.paterson@strath.ac.uk), which should make note of the project you are applying for, as well 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.
Kerr Group Research 