Electrifying Drug Discovery: New Electrochemical Reactions for Medicinal Chemistry

About the Project

Location: University of Greenwich, Medway Campus

Duration: 3 years, full-time

Funding: Fully funded PhD studentship, including a tax-free stipend in line with UKRI rates and tuition fees at the home rate

Start date: Ideally 2027, although an October 2026 start may be considered for an outstanding candidate

Application review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will not wait until the advertised closing date to begin shortlisting.

About the project

Medicinal chemistry depends on the ability to make molecules quickly, selectively, and sustainably. This PhD project will explore how electrosynthesis can help solve this problem. The successful candidate will develop new electrochemical reactions that use electricity to build, modify, and edit medicinally relevant molecules.

What you will do

1. Develop new electrochemical reactions for medicinal and organic synthesis.
2. Apply these methods to drug-like molecules and medicinal chemistry motifs.
3. Explore late-stage functionalisation and molecular editing strategies.
4. Investigate mechanisms using electrochemical, analytical, and spectroscopic methods.
5. Build expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, electrosynthesis, reaction optimisation, and medicinal chemistry.
6. Present results through high-quality publications, conferences, and scientific meetings.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, ambitious, and creative candidate with a strong interest in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Previous experience in electrochemistry is desirable but not essential.