PhD Opportunity in Electrosynthesis for Medicinal and Organic Synthesis

About the Project

Location: University of Greenwich, Kent, UK

Duration: 3 years, full-time

The Project

We are seeking an ambitious and talented PhD candidate to join the Lam Research Group at the University of Greenwich, working at the forefront of electrosynthesis, sustainable organic synthesis, and reaction innovation.

Electrosynthesis is rapidly emerging as a powerful platform for modern molecular construction, offering new ways to access valuable compounds while improving safety, selectivity, and sustainability. By using electricity as a clean reagent, it becomes possible to replace hazardous oxidants and reductants, unlock unusual reactivity, and design synthetic methods that are better suited to the needs of contemporary medicinal chemistry and process development.

This PhD opportunity will focus on the development of new electrochemical methods for organic and medicinally relevant synthesis. Depending on the candidate’s interests and background, projects may involve areas such as:

• novel functional group interconversions
• selective bond construction and bond activation
• generation and control of highly reactive intermediates
• safer alternatives to classical hazardous transformations
• electrochemical strategies relevant to medicinal chemistry, fine chemicals, and functional molecule synthesis
• mechanistic studies to understand and guide reaction development
• translation of new methods toward scalable and practical synthetic platforms

The project will provide scope for creativity and innovation, while allowing the successful candidate to work on scientifically exciting problems with strong relevance to the future of synthetic chemistry.

Why Join Us?

You will join an internationally recognised research group with a strong track record in synthetic electrochemistry, sustainable methodology development, and translational molecular synthesis.

This opportunity offers the chance to:

• work on cutting-edge research in electrosynthesis and green chemistry
• contribute to the invention of new synthetic methods with real-world relevance
• gain hands-on experience in organic synthesis, electrochemistry, flow chemistry, and mechanistic investigation
• access a dynamic and international research environment
• develop skills that are highly valuable for careers in academia, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, and innovation-driven research

The research will be carried out at the University of Greenwich Medway Campus in Kent, offering an excellent research environment within easy reach of London and its wider scientific network.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a motivated and proactive researcher with:

• a strong background in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, electrochemistry, or a related area
• enthusiasm for innovative and sustainable synthesis
• creativity, curiosity, and strong problem-solving skills
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• excellent written and oral communication skills

Eligibility and Funding

This position is not linked to an internal studentship. Applicants should therefore be in a position to self-fund their PhD studies or apply with / secure external fellowship or scholarship support.

Candidates interested in applying with their own funding, or through national or international scholarship schemes, are particularly encouraged to get in touch.

Funding Notes

This opportunity is intended for applicants who are able to self-fund their studies or who will secure external scholarship or fellowship funding.