e–mides – Amides as Versatile Building Blocks via Reductive Activation (PhD Studentship) The University of Manchester in United Kingdom

This PhD project, titled e–mides – Amides as Versatile Building Blocks via Reductive Activation, is based at the Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester. The research aims to develop efficient and sustainable strategies for constructing complex molecules from simple, readily available amides, which are key motifs in biomolecules, materials, and pharmaceuticals. The project will focus on innovative activation strategies, particularly the single-electron transfer (SET) reduction of amides, to enable direct activation of C(sp³)–N bonds without the need for pre-functionalisation. This approach seeks to improve synthetic efficiency and reduce by-product formation.

By leveraging both electrochemical and photocatalytic methods, the research will generate radical and ionic intermediates from amides, facilitating the development of new carbon–carbon bond-forming cross-coupling reactions and strategies for modifying nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The project also aims to establish sustainable catalytic methodologies using Earth-abundant metals, with applications in the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr GEM Crisenza and Dr C Trujillo, collaborating with Vertex Pharmaceuticals and engaging in computational studies to support reaction design, optimisation, and mechanistic understanding. The interdisciplinary environment offers training in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and computational chemistry. Students will gain hands-on experience in synthesis, purification, characterisation, and the use of analytical techniques such as NMR, cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV–vis spectroscopy.

Applicants should hold (or expect to achieve) at least an Upper Second-class UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry or a related discipline. Experience in synthetic organic chemistry is highly desirable. The position is open to both UK and international students, with a 3.5-year studentship that includes a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27, subject to annual uplift) and full tuition fee coverage. The anticipated start date is October 2026.

To apply, candidates must submit a formal application via the University of Manchester's online portal, specifying the project title, supervisor, funding plans, academic history, and two referees. All required documents must be submitted at the time of application. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Giacomo Crisenza at [email protected]. More information on the application process is available at the department website.

The University of Manchester is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Flexible study arrangements may be considered depending on the project and funding.