The University of Bath Department of Chemistry is offering a PhD opportunity focused on the project 'Radicals on Demand from Sulfonium Salt Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes.' This research is supervised by Prof. Simon Lewis and Dr James Taylor, both experienced academics in organic chemistry. The project centers on methodology development in organic synthesis, with a particular emphasis on two cutting-edge techniques: electrosynthesis and photochemistry. Students will gain comprehensive training in practical organic synthesis, learning to apply sustainable synthesis approaches, controlled radical chemistry, and exploring diverse synthetic applications. Key research areas include the generation and control of radicals using sulfonium salt electron donor-acceptor complexes, with applications in sustainable synthesis and advanced chemical methodology. The project is ideal for candidates interested in organic chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry, and radical chemistry. The University of Bath provides a vibrant research environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a strong undergraduate degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. Experience or interest in organic synthesis, electrosynthesis, or photochemistry is desirable, and candidates should demonstrate good laboratory skills and motivation for research. Funding details are not specified in the post; candidates are encouraged to consult the full advert on FindAPhD for information about stipend, tuition coverage, and eligibility. The application deadline is 8th February 2025. Interested candidates should visit the FindAPhD advert for full details and submit their application via the University of Bath's portal. This opportunity is suitable for those seeking advanced training in organic chemistry and wishing to contribute to innovative research in sustainable and radical chemistry.

The University of Bath is offering a PhD opportunity in Organic Chemistry, supervised by Professor Simon Lewis and Dr James Taylor. The project, titled “Radicals on Demand from Sulfonium Salt Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexes,” focuses on methodology development in organic synthesis, with a particular emphasis on electrosynthesis and photochemistry. Students will gain comprehensive training in practical organic synthesis, learning cutting-edge techniques relevant to contemporary chemical research. Research will center on the generation and control of radicals using sulfonium salt electron donor-acceptor complexes, with applications in sustainable synthesis and diverse synthetic transformations. The project is ideal for candidates interested in radical chemistry, electrosynthesis, photochemistry, and the development of new synthetic methodologies. The Department of Chemistry at the University of Bath provides a vibrant research environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a strong undergraduate degree in Chemistry or a closely related field. Experience or interest in organic synthesis, electrosynthesis, or photochemistry is desirable. Both UK and international students are eligible to apply. Funding details, including stipend and tuition coverage, are available on the full advert at FindAPhD. The application deadline is February 8, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the FindAPhD advert linked above. This opportunity is suitable for students seeking advanced training in organic chemistry and wishing to contribute to innovative research in sustainable and radical synthetic methodologies.

This PhD project at the University of Bath, supervised by Professor Simon Lewis and Dr James Taylor, offers an exciting opportunity to develop new synthetic methodology in the field of radical chemistry. The research focuses on the synthesis of sulfonium salts capable of forming electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes, which, upon visible light irradiation, generate synthetically useful radical intermediates. These radicals will be harnessed for late-stage functionalisation of complex molecules, including the synthesis of drug substance analogues, demonstrating the practical utility of the developed reactions. The project will explore the preparation of sulfonium salts using electrosynthesis, interrupted Pummerer reactions, and nucleophilic substitution, tailored to the desired functional groups. The anticipated outcome is the creation of stable, crystalline sulfonium salts with potential for commercial reagent development. The research is rooted in organic chemistry methodology, providing comprehensive training in practical organic synthesis, with a particular emphasis on electrosynthesis and photochemistry. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced compound characterisation techniques such as NMR, x-ray crystallography, EPR, HRMS, IR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy, as well as mechanistic investigations and structural elucidation. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive research environment, benefiting from joint supervision and access to departmental seminars, weekly problem sessions, and opportunities to attend relevant conferences. The University of Bath values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from under-represented groups and offering support for candidates with unique circumstances affecting their educational attainment. Funding is available through the University of Bath URSA studentship competition, covering tuition fees, a generous stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/6), and a training support budget for 3.5 years. The studentship is open to both Home and exceptional International students, though international applicants should note that relocation, visa, and healthcare surcharge costs are not covered. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related discipline. A master’s qualification is advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirements by the application deadline. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Professor Simon Lewis for informal enquiries and to apply early, as the position may close before the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. To apply, submit a formal application via the University of Bath’s online PhD application form, selecting 'University of Bath URSA' in the funding section and quoting the project title and lead supervisor’s name. For further details, refer to the official project page and relevant references provided.