Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

About the Project

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution is one of the most fundamentally important class of reactions in organic chemistry. Indeed, these reactions are used every day to synthesise new pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials and more. However, there are a number of long-standing limitations associated with classic mechanisms of substitution, such as the need for strong electron-withdrawing groups ortho or para to the leaving group.

Objectives

The aim of this project is to circumvent these limitations and develop sustainable transition-metal-free substitution reactions through unconventional modes of catalysis. Building upon our previous work in this area (Chem. Sci. 2021; Chem. Eur. J. 2023; Nat. Synth. 2026), new catalysts and reagents will be designed to promote transformations of immediate interest to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Detailed mechanistic studies will be performed using to gain insight into these reaction processes.

Training

The student appointed to this project will receive excellent training in organic synthesis and catalysis. In particular, the student will become highly proficient in the preparation, purification and characterisation of small organic molecules. The student will also have the optional opportunity to develop skills in computational chemistry (catalyst/reagent design and mechanistic studies). The student will regularly attend organic problem classes, present their research at national or international meetings and interact with industrial project partners.

For further details, please contact Dr Michael James with a CV.

For more information about the group, please visit the James Group Website.

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 is a fully funded PhD position for 3.5 years supported by the IPcat training programme. 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.

The UoM also offers a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor 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)