Harnessing Electrostatic Effects in Organic Synthesis

Catalysis plays a vital role in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and advanced materials. However, many useful chemical transformations remain difficult to perform efficiently and selectively. Recent advances suggest that electrostatic effects may offer powerful new ways to influence how molecules react, creating exciting opportunities for the development of more effective catalysts.

The successful candidate will investigate new approaches to reaction design using a combination of synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, mechanistic studies and computational modelling. By combining experimental and theoretical methods, the project will seek to understand the fundamental factors that control chemical reactivity and apply this knowledge to the development of new synthetic methods.

The project offers training in a broad range of modern research techniques, including synthetic organic chemistry, reaction development, spectroscopy, mechanistic analysis and computational chemistry. The student will develop highly transferable skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication and problem solving.

The project will be supervised by Dr Michael James (University of Manchester) and Dr James Douglas (AstraZeneca), providing the successful applicant with access to expertise spanning academic and industrial research. The student will join a vibrant and supportive research environment, benefit from regular supervision and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and gain experience at the interface of fundamental and applied chemistry. Opportunities will also be available to undertake a secondment at AstraZeneca, engage with researchers in the pharmaceutical sector, and address important challenges in contemporary organic synthesis.

This project is expected to start in September 2027.

Before you apply:

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply:

To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.

When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.

We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.

Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry. Applicants are preferred to have a background in organic chemistry.

This project will remain open until filled.

If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.

If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.

Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.

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Funding Notes

Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.