PhD Studentship: Iron-Catalysed C-N Bond Formation

A 4-year PhD studentship funded by AstraZeneca is available from October 2025 with Dr Ruth Webster that will focus on a unique dual C-O bond cleavage/C-N bond forming reaction. The project will build upon preliminary results from the Webster Group (JACS, 2024, 146, 19839), and will cover synthetic methodology and studies of reaction mechanism.  Research in the Webster group typically involves organic and inorganic synthesis, reaction mechanistic studies (e.g. using in situ NMR monitoring) supported through collaborative studies with experts in EPR spectroscopy and density functional theory.  For further information about research in the Webster group, please see:  https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/person/rw740

Applicants must have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK upper second-class Master's degree in chemistry.  The reactions that form the basis of this project are air-sensitive and therefore, in addition to experience in synthetic chemistry, an interest in Schlenk line and glovebox chemistry would be an advantage.

The studentship will provide a maintenance grant at the UKRI national rate, and tuition fees at the UK/home rate. Non-UK applicants will be considered if they are able to fund the overseas fees differential, or if they are awarded a suitable scholarship. Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/

To apply, please submit an application through the University Applicant Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/pcchpdpch for the course "PhD in Chemistry", naming Dr Ruth Webster as potential supervisor.

For queries relating to your application or the application process, please contact Dr Webster via email on rw740@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference MA43717 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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