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University of York

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Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Synthesis for Medicinal Chemistry in 3-Dimensions at University of York University of York in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet. Funding includes 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a £20,000 research training support grant. Up to 30% of studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students; funding does not include visa costs or the NHS surcharge.

Deadline

Nov 13, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of York

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Keywords

Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biology
Chemical Synthesis
Green Chemistry
Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Chemistry

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About this position

PhD opportunity: Sustainable Synthesis for Medicinal Chemistry in 3-Dimensions: Bioisosteres, PROTAC Linkers, Scaffold Hopping and Unnatural Amino Acids.

This project is offered through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT), a fully funded 4-year PhD programme jointly delivered by the Universities of Oxford and York. The project is primarily based at the University of York, Department of Chemistry, and is supervised by Prof Peter O’Brien with Prof Fernanda Duarte Gonzalez (University of Oxford).

The research sits at the interface of organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and green chemistry. It focuses on exploring sp3-rich 3-D scaffolds, computational enumeration of small-molecule chemical space, and the design of concise, sustainable routes to bifunctional building blocks. The project aims to replace precious-metal cross-coupling with more sustainable Ni-mediated methods and to develop building blocks useful for bioisosteres, PROTAC linkers, scaffold hopping, fragment elaboration, and unnatural amino acids.

Funding is strong: studentships cover 100% home fees, provide a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and include a £20,000 research training support grant. Candidates of any nationality may apply, and up to 30% of EPSRC CDT studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students. Visa costs and the NHS surcharge are not covered.

Eligibility: applicants should have or expect to gain at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, usually chemistry or chemical engineering. Strong research motivation, independence, analytical ability, and good written and verbal communication skills are required. English language requirements apply.

How to apply: submit an online PhD in Chemistry application. You will need a 1000-word personal statement, ranked project choices (1-2-3), transcripts, two academic/professional references, and the CSHP CDT EDI data form for York applicants. The first deadline is 13 November 2026 at 12 noon; later applications may be considered if places remain.

Funding details

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship under the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet. Funding includes 100% home fees, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a £20,000 research training support grant. Up to 30% of studentships may be awarded to exceptional international students; funding does not include visa costs or the NHS surcharge.

What's required

Applicants must have or expect to gain at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, usually chemistry or chemical engineering. Enthusiasm for research, ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. English language requirements apply, and applicants should check the entry requirements for their country.

How to apply

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application. Prepare a 1000-word personal statement, rank 1-2-3 project choices, upload transcripts, provide two academic/professional referees, and complete the EDI data form if applying to York. Apply early because projects may fill after the first round.

More information can be found here

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