Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Complex Natural Products

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Jonathan George and Dr Sam Thompson

This project aims to uncover how nature constructs complex molecules by mimicking biosynthetic pathways through synthetic chemistry. By embracing this biomimetic approach, we will develop new strategies that can rapidly and efficiently increase molecular complexity. Crucially, these strategies are inherently more sustainable, as they minimize step count and waste generation.

The overarching aim of this project is to develop efficient and sustainable strategies for constructing three-dimensionally complex natural products. Our focus is on a distinctive and medicinally important class of natural products known as meroterpenoids. These molecules are assembled in nature from two different types of molecular building blocks and display striking structural diversity.

A defining feature of meroterpenoid biosynthesis is the transformation of simple, flat aromatic molecules into complex, polycyclic three-dimensional structures. In living systems, this dramatic increase in molecular complexity is often achieved through cascade reactions, in which several chemical bonds are formed and broken in a single process. Our primary objective is to replicate this remarkable efficiency in the laboratory by designing carefully controlled biomimetic cascade reactions inspired directly by natural biosynthetic pathways.

You will receive expert training in synthetic organic chemistry and other specialist areas as required by the project, either from the George Group or appropriate collaborators. You will also gain extensive experience of a range of analytical techniques including advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and single crystal x-ray diffraction. We'll mentor you in writing high-impact publications and delivering engaging scientific presentations.

Research in the George Group

We have developed many concise, biomimetic total syntheses of complex molecules – some of which are summarised in the Biomimetic Dearomatization Strategies in the Total Synthesis of Meroterpenoid Natural Products review.

Sometimes our synthetic routes are used to help decipher biosynthetic pathways in collaboration with biochemists (examples include A unifying paradigm for naphthoquinone-based meroterpenoid (bio)synthesis and Total Synthesis Establishes the Biosynthetic Pathway to the Naphterpin and Marinone Natural Products).

Into our total synthesis projects, we have also integrated modern methods of

• photoredox catalysis (Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis Enables the Biomimetic Synthesis of Nyingchinoids A, B, and D, and Rasumatranin D)
• photochemistry (Total Synthesis of Atrachinenins A and B)
• biocatalysis (Biomimetic and Biocatalytic Synthesis of Bruceol)

Many of our projects involve the biosynthetically-inspired structure revision of natural products, and even the prediction and isolation of new natural products.

Our ultimate goal is to discover new ways to make complex natural products as quickly and easily as possible; sometimes achieving this in just one step (A bioinspired, one-step total synthesis of peshawaraquinone).

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.

Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

To learn about funding opportunities visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.

A number of studentships are available and funding is awarded on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD Chemistry (7189)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)