Queen's University Belfast is offering a fully funded PhD studentship in organic chemistry, focusing on the development of new catalytic approaches to generate heteroatomic reactive intermediates. The project, supervised by Dr Mark McLaughlin, centers on the use of earth metal catalysts for deoxygenation reactions, providing innovative routes to important intermediates for synthetic chemistry. The research is situated within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, a leading center for catalysis, biological and medicinal chemistry, and materials science. The McLaughlin group has demonstrated that calcium complexes can mediate functional group tolerant deoxygenation reactions, and this project aims to expand the scope of these catalytic processes. Students will gain hands-on experience in synthetic organic and organometallic chemistry, with opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications. The School is part of the Russell Group and is recognized for its world-leading research environment and strong industry links, enhancing graduate prospects. Applicants must hold or expect to receive a 1st or 2:1 Honours degree in chemistry or a closely related subject; a master's degree is advantageous but not required. Experience in organic synthesis is preferred. Eligibility is limited to UK nationals, those with settled or pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain or enter, or Irish nationals. International students must meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 overall, no component below 5.5). The studentship covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for eligible students. The application deadline is 5 January 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2026. To apply, candidates must submit their application via the QUB Direct Application portal. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr Mark McLaughlin at [email protected]. For further details on eligibility and funding, refer to the UKRI terms and conditions. The research environment at Queen's University Belfast offers interdisciplinary opportunities, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community focused on sustainability and innovation in chemistry.