Catalyst development for biomolecule modification (industrially funded project)

About the Project

A PhD position is available in the group of Professor John Bower at the University of Liverpool (https://bowerresearchgroup.wordpress.com/). The position is funded for 3.5 years and will start in October 2026. Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor John Bower (john.bower@liverpool.ac.uk).

The research project: The project will involve the design of new organometallic catalysts for the selective modification of important biomolecules. The aim is to develop processes that are amenable to large scale manufacture. You may also conduct studies to troubleshoot wider synthetic issues identified during the scale-up. The project is fully funded by industry.

Training: The successful applicant will receive high level training in compound characterisation (NMR analysis etc.), organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, theory/mechanism and transferable skills (e.g. presentations and report writing). The project is aligned with the UoL’s newly formed Centre for Translational Molecular Synthesis. The Centre provides enhanced training opportunities for associated PhD students, including: a student led seminar committee, inter-research group problem sets, presentation opportunities, and enhanced interactions with industry.

The successful candidate: We seek a highly motivated individual, who has performed strongly at undergraduate level and envisages pursuing a career in chemical research.

The group environment: The group’s research portfolio encompasses multiple themes, which are all broadly directed at the development of efficient new methods for organic synthesis. In each area we have made high level contributions, and this is reflected in the quality of the group’s publication output (see: https://bowerresearchgroup.wordpress.com/publications/). We are housed in the recently refurbished and state of the art “Regius Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry”. The laboratory contains 22 custom designed fume cupboards equipped with digitally controlled three stage vacuum systems, Schlenk lines and digital work stations. The laboratory also houses high quality instrumentation and equipment, including a cryogenic reaction station, automated purification systems, a glovebox, an SFC, a semi-preparative HPLC, and a GCMS. A virtual walk through is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhHhEOaPrP4&feature=youtu.be. Our activities are supported by a recently upgraded cryoprobe-equipped 500 MHz NMR instrument The group consists of an international mix of highly motivated postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. The group environment is stimulating, supportive and collegiate. The majority of graduating PhD students move onto high level postdoctoral positions or research jobs in pharmaceutical/agrochemical companies.

The department: REF2021 ranked Liverpool Chemistry in the top 10 in the UK for world leading (4*) research and environment, and 3rd in the UK for world leading (4*) impact. The Department’s research interests are many and varied, spanning the entire range of chemistry from theoretical solid-state studies to synthetic work at the biological interface. There are strong interdisciplinary interactions both within Chemistry and across the campus, for example in the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy (SIRE) and the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF).

Key contact name: Regius Professor John Bower e-mail address: john.bower@liverpool.ac.uk

For informal enquiries, please email your CV and cover letter to Regius Professor John Bower. Please provide the names and e-mail addresses of two referees.

Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

We want all our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, if you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number CCPR183 when applying

Applications will close earlier than the proposed deadline date, once a suitable candidate is found.