Modular Access to Next-Generation Fluorinated Building Blocks

About the Project

Fluorinated molecules play an important role in modern discovery chemistry because fluorine can strongly influence molecular properties such as stability, lipophilicity, permeability, and biological performance. However, the fluorinated motifs most widely used today represent only a narrow part of accessible chemical space. There is increasing interest in identifying new fluorinated building blocks that deliver valuable properties while enabling more sustainable approaches to molecular design.

This PhD project, in collaboration with Syngenta, will develop catalytic and modular synthetic routes to an underexplored class of fluorinated three-dimensional building blocks with strong potential for application in life-science research. The work will focus on the design of practical, inexpensive, and easy-to-handle intermediates that can be transformed into a broad range of valuable structures and incorporated into complex molecular scaffolds. The project will combine synthetic organic chemistry, reagent design, and catalytic method development to create a versatile platform for discovery chemistry.

Embedded within the IPCat training environment at the University of Manchester, and with industry input, the studentship offers a valuable opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental catalysis and real-world application. The student will receive broad training in synthesis, catalysis, and molecular design within a highly collaborative academic and industrial setting.

For more information on the group’s work, see: https://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/igor.larrosa/publications.html

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

Please submit informal enquiries to igor.larrosa@manchester.ac.uk. We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.