PhD Studentship - Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

The University of Manchester - Chemistry

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:ManchesterFunding for:UK StudentsFunding amount:£21,805 - please see advertHours:Full TimePlaced On:8th April 2026Closes:8th July 2026

Application deadline: All year round

Research theme: Organic Chemistry

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

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.

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, and to apply, please contact Dr. Michael James with a CV: michael.james@manchester.ac.uk

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

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.