PhD Studentship in Synthetic Organic Chemistry – New Catalytic Methods for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Axially and Planar Chiral Materials

Award Summary

100% UK tuition fees covered, a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,795 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Significant additional funding of £19,200 will be available to cover research costs and local, national and international travel (conferences and exchanges).

Overview

21st century medicinal chemistry is increasingly seeking innovative 3D templates for drug discovery, which enable “escape from the flatland” into unexplored areas of 3D chemical space. This project will explore an exciting approach to three-dimensionality in which flat building blocks are linked together in a twisted (axially chiral) or stacked (planar chiral) arrangement. Such molecules are of enormous interest as new medicines, but comparatively few methods are available to synthesize them that allow their stereochemistry to be controlled. This project will explore new C–C and C–N bond forming processes that enable the synthesis of axially and planar chiral molecules, employing asymmetric catalysis to precisely control their stereochemistry. These methods will enable novel retrosynthetic disconnections for densely functionalised, medicinally relevant 3D molecules. For more details of our work in this area, please see https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/rolyarmstrong/.

This project will suit someone with a strong background in chemistry, who has an interest in pursuing a PhD in synthesis and catalysis and is ideal for a candidate with ambitions towards a career in the pharmaceutical industry or academia. Newcastle University values diversity across our community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Number Of Awards: One

Start Date: 15 September 2025

Award Duration: 3.5 Years

Application Closing Date: 06/12/2024

Sponsor: School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Supervisors: Dr Roly Armstrong

Eligibility Criteria

You should hold a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related subject. Previous research experience (e.g. Masters’ research project or equivalent) in a synthetic organic chemistry laboratory is desirable. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: “8100F”
• Research Area: “Chemistry” 
• Select ‘PhD Chemistry (full time)” as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• A copy of your CV
• The studentship code SNES299 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal. 

Contact Details

Informal enquiries welcome (roly.armstrong@newcastle.ac.uk)

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