PhD studentship in: “Development of Novel Synthetic Methodologies through Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis - Co-Funded AstraZeneca”

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Science
Location:  UK Other
Closing Date:  Wednesday 07 February 2024
Reference:  SCI233

About the Project

Application deadline: Open until filled
Supervisor: Dr Mattia Silvi (https://silviresearch.com/ )

Institution: University of Nottingham - AstraZeneca
Start date: Oct 2024

Project description

An iCASE 4-year PhD studentship is currently available in the Silvi research group (University of Nottingham) in collaboration with AstraZeneca. The recruitment process is officially opened to fill the vacant position as soon as the ideal candidate is appointed.

The student will be based in the University of Nottingham (GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry, Jubilee Campus), with an internship (generally 3 - 6 months) in the AstraZeneca site in Macclesfield or Cambridge. The research project will fully focus on synthetic organic chemistry and the student will benefit from continuous interaction with both the main academic supervisor (Dr. Mattia Silvi) and an industrial supervisor from AstraZeneca. Industrial supervision will be ensured through regular student visits at the AstraZeneca site. More information about the project below.

Synthetic organic chemistry lays at the heart of Science and Technology and has greatly enabled the development of important life-changing discoveries. Conventional approaches for the synthesis of complex organic molecules usually rely on sequences of chemical reactions from early intermediates, often requiring the use of protecting groups and functional group oxidation state modulation. The time and resources required to complete the complex synthetic routes restrict the number of structures accessible, defining boundaries to chemists' imagination for the invention of the molecules of tomorrow.

In contrast to the conventional synthetic approaches mentioned above, we are working on the development of novel photoredox visible-light driven processes which allow the functional group-tolerant chemical modification of complex organic molecules under remarkably mild conditions (visible light irradiation). The processes are based on the photoredox generation of reactive radical species, which can undergo versatile reactivity and generally show high levels of tolerance to protic and moderately Lewis basic functionalities. In this exciting new project, we’ll be exploring the potential of photoredox catalysis in skeletal editing techniques (chemical modification of heterocycles to access derivatives with modified cyclic structure). For a recent highlight from our group in the area: Nature2023, 623, 36-37. Selected previous work from our group in photoredox catalysis: Nat. Chem. 2022, 14, 66-70; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 2773-2778; J. Am. Chem. Soc.2023, 145, 15688-15694.

The successful candidate will explore new avenues in the field of photoredox catalysis, working on the discovery, the study and the optimisation of novel organic radical reactions. 

The student will work at the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratories for Sustainable Chemistry, University of Nottingham, taking advantage of state-of-the-art research facilities. The student will develop extensive skills in organic chemical synthesis and spectroscopy and receive substantial training in radical chemistry, asymmetric catalysis and photochemistry: all fields which are increasingly popular in both academia and industry.          

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Chemistry, or related (e.g., Natural Sciences or similar), and have developed a strong interest in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. The start date for this project will be Oct 2024 (please see eligibility below). The studentship will be filled as soon the ideal candidate is found; hence candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit our research group website (https://silviresearch.com ) and can contact Dr Mattia Silvi ([email protected] ) for more details or enquires about the project. 

Entry requirements

The position is available for UK Home Fee Students (UK, Ireland and UK settled/pre-settled international students) although exceptional applications from international candidates will also be considered. Applicants should have, or expected to achieve, a 1st class or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent for international candidates) in Chemistry, Nat. Sci., Chemical Engineering or a related subject. A MSc-4-year integrated Master’s, a BSc + MSc or a BSc with substantial research experience will be highly advantageous. 

Funding Notes

Fully funded studentship to commence in Oct 2024. UK students/Irish students – tuition fees paid and full stipend, tax-free, for 4 years at the RCUK rate (currently £18,622 per annum). For international students, the application will be evaluated by an internal panel within the University of Nottingham to match current funding and create a fully funded studentship with the same requirements as above.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and CV to [email protected] detailing your previous research experience, current research interests, references.