This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the University of Bath URSA competition , for entry in September 2025.

Overview of the Research:

This is a fully-funded, 3.5-year synthetic organic chemistry PhD project. It will be ideally suited to anybody with a desire to pursue a synthetic chemistry career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Building on preliminary results from the Cresswell lab, this project will explore exciting new strategies for the stereoinversion or deracemisation of aliphatic amines using visible light photoredox catalysis. Our group has previously reported the use of photogenerated azidyl radicals as hydrogen atom transfer agents for the C–H activation of unprotected amines, and applied this to the synthesis of pharmaceutically-important amine/azacycle products, including known drugs. ^1–4 If successful, our new concept for amine stereoinversion/deracemisation could revolutionise the way that chemists synthesise enantiomerically-pure amines, providing a much needed complement to biocatalytic methods.

As well as visible light photoredox catalysis, you will be exposed to a number of enabling technologies and advanced techniques, including flow chemistry, peptide synthesis, automation, AI/ML, and mechanistic analysis. Further training will be offered in the form of weekly problem sessions on organic synthesis and participation in compiling an annual review of the literature on synthetic chemistry for drug discovery.

The Cresswell group currently comprises 12 PhD students and 2 PDRAs, occupying three modern and well-equipped labs in the main Chemistry building. We have invested heavily in state-of-the-art flow/automation technologies, including three Vapourtec flow chemistry platforms, a bespoke self-optimising flow reactor, HPLC-MS, benchtop mass spec, and a range of automated purification or evaporation technologies. Our group has full access to the analytical and technical facilities offered at Bath, including flow NMR spectroscopy for reaction monitoring.

Project keywords: organic synthesis; catalysis; photoredox; C–H functionalisation; flow chemistry

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement by the application deadline.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged. Please contact Dr Cresswell ( [email protected] ) directly for further details.

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemistry prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:

1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath URSA’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website .

NOTE: Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found; therefore, we recommend that you contact Dr Cresswell prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.