[School of Natural Sciences PhD Scholarships] Electrosynthetic and Photocatalytic Manipulation of Cyclic Amides toward Novel Stereodefined Heterocycles

unexplored chemical space, improve pharmacological properties and enable scaffold hopping from established bioactive molecules. However, efficient and selective methods to access these architectures, particularly in enantioenriched form, remain scarce. At the same time, the increasing prevalence of complex poly(hetero)aromatic motifs in pharmaceuticals has highlighted atropisomerism as an important consideration in modern drug discovery. Developing new approaches that provide stereoselective access to these increasingly relevant scaffolds therefore represents an important challenge at the interface of synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

This PhD project will address these challenges by developing new electrosynthetic and photocatalytic strategies to transform readily available cyclic amides into novel, stereodefined heterocyclic architectures. The research will exploit electricity and visible light to unlock unconventional reactivity from abundant starting materials, providing access to molecular architectures that are difficult to prepare using established catalytic methods. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing stereoselective transformations and applying them to the synthesis of structurally diverse, medicinally relevant compounds.

The project is a collaboration between the Crisenza (www.crisenzalab.net) and Trujillo (trujilloresearchgroup.com) research groups at the University of Manchester, bringing together expertise in experimental organic synthesis, radical chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry and computational chemistry. Experimental studies will be closely integrated with computational modelling to elucidate reaction mechanisms and the origins of selectivity, and to guide the development of improved catalytic systems. This combined experimental–computational approach will provide the successful candidate with a broad and distinctive skill set at the forefront of contemporary organic chemistry.

Specifically, the candidate will receive extensive training in modern organic synthesis, radical chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry, asymmetric catalysis and computational chemistry. They will gain hands-on experience in reaction development and optimisation, alongside state-of-the-art techniques for mechanistic investigation – including cyclic voltammetry, UV–vis and EPR spectroscopy, kinetic analysis, computational modelling and in silico catalyst design. Close co-supervision by the Crisenza and Trujillo groups will allow experimental observations and computational predictions to continuously inform one another.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant research environment of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manchester, benefiting from regular research meetings, departmental seminars and interactions with internationally recognised scientists. They will also be supported in presenting their research at national and international conferences and publishing their findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

For informal enquiries and further details about the project, please contact Dr Giacomo Crisenza (giacomo.crisenza@manchester.ac.uk) with a CV and, optionally, a cover letter. Further information on the application process is available at: https://www.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/

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 related Chemical Sciences programme OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry or any related Chemical Sciences programme. Previous research experience in synthetic organic chemistry is desirable.

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.

FSE_SoNS

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.