Proposed start date: flexible

Duration of the project: 4 Years

Project Summary

The general interests of the Kerr and Lindsay laboratories cover a broad range of metal-mediated synthetic organic chemistry and, in particular, in the development of new preparative techniques, the creation of asymmetric processes, and the use of these emerging methods in total synthesis programmes.

New methods for directed C-H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange will be explored, based on state-of-the-art isotopic labelling catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde. Mechanistic investigations, blending computational studies with rigorous experimental kinetic measurements, will inform new catalyst design. Additionally, a novel study into the role of deuterium gas in the exchange process, including reactor design, will provide key insights to deliver more effective labelling of complex drug-like molecules. The new catalysts and methods that emerge will provide a range of efficient methods to access a variety of isotopically labelled drug-like entities. The main EPSRC research areas addressed are Catalysis, Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, and Synthetic Organic Chemistry.

The studentship is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, with the opportunity for a secondment at GSK, Stevenage for 3 months.

The successful applicant will join an extremely motivated and industrious research team and will receive elevated levels of training in the areas of preparative chemistry, organometallic-based synthesis, reaction mechanism, computational methods, and the associated analytical/spectroscopic requirements.

Proposed start date: flexible

Duration of the project: 4 Years

Project Summary

TThis project will explore new methods for C-O, C-N, and C-C bond formation using catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde, which have been specifically optimised through early C-O bond forming studies. These new methods will deliver complementary allylic substitution processes which represent flexible and powerful methods to deliver a variety of pharmaceutically desired organic products through an efficient and modular coupling reaction. As part of the project, computationally-driven methods will be used to inform catalyst design and investigate reaction mechanism, in addition to directing the emerging reaction scope. The studentship is funded in collaboration with world-leading pharmaceutical company, GSK, with the opportunity for a secondment at GSK, Stevenage for 3 months.

The successful applicant will join an extremely motivated and industrious research team, and will receive elevated levels of training in the areas of preparative chemistry, organometallic-based synthesis, reaction mechanism, computational methods, and the associated analytical/spectroscopic requirements. 

Proposed start date: 1st October 2025

Duration of project: 4 Years

Project Summary

Covalent fragment-based drug discovery is recognised as a powerful approach to expedite the validation of emerging protein targets involved in the pathogenesis of disease. The proposed study aligns with the EPSRC priority area of Chemical Biology & Biological Chemistry, and aims to exploit novel reactivity and selectivity patterns identified in our laboratories using reactive groups, with particular focus on the development tuneable warheads for covalent modification of specific residues on protein targets. The approach will be exemplified using a series of workhorse protein constructs with strong disease association, and will ultimately expand the palette of available chemistries used for covalent inhibition, furnishing new tools for molecule makers in this area.

Proposed start date: flexible

Duration of the project: 4 Years

Project Summary

At the heart of synthetic chemistry is the drive to deliver novel, more efficient, green and sustainable processes.  This project is concerned with the development of a benzylic oxidation process.  Whilst many methods exist for this transformation, many require (super)stoichiometric transition metal-based oxidants which are both toxic and expensive.  Through the development of a mechanistic understanding we have defined a green and efficient organocatalytic oxidation process using sodium chlorite as the stoichiometric oxidant.  This project is concerned with modifying the catalyst to improve its stability under the reaction conditions and exploring the scope and limitations of the transformation.  Opportunities to apply novel catalysts in the preparation of pharmaceutically relevant targets will provide further understanding of the scope of the process.

The project will provide a fundamental training in synthetic chemistry in an important area of contemporary research with the provision of critical experience in an industrial environment.

Proposed start date: 1st October 2025

Duration of the project: 4 years

Project Summary

The therapeutic utility of oligonucleotides is now reaching their clinical potential. However, most diseases where oligonucleotides are providing effective treatments are confined to indications associated with liver dysfunction. This studentship aims to develop a new generation of therapeutic oligonucleotides containing abasic site modification, and will involve a blend of synthetic chemistry, and biological and mass spectrometric –omics techniques. This project aligns with the EPSRC’s Chemical Biology & Biological Chemistry area in the Healthcare Technologies Theme.

Please submit your application by e-mail to Dr Laura C. Paterson (laura.c.paterson@strath.ac.uk), which should include:

• Cover letter, detailing your experience and motivation for PhD studies 
• CV with two referees details included 
• Full transcripts from your undergraduate degree
•  Other pertinent information (e.g., publications, awards, and other distinctions)

Please clearly state in your email to which project(s) you are applying.