Light-Driven Skeletal Editing for New 3D Scaffolds

This fully funded four-year PhD project at The University of Manchester focuses on developing innovative synthetic organic methods for the skeletal editing of saturated heterocycles using visible light. Working under the co-supervision of Prof. Gavin J. Miller and Prof. Michael Greaney, the successful candidate will convert heterocycles into stereodefined carbocycles to access sp3-rich molecular structures. The research programme encompasses substrate design, photochemical reaction optimisation, functional group tolerance mapping, and mechanistic studies. The candidate will acquire advanced technical competencies in multistep synthesis, photochemistry, and spectroscopy alongside essential transferable skills in scientific communication and project management.

• Design and synthesise tailored organic substrates for photochemical transformations
• Optimise photochemical ring-contraction reactions and evaluate functional-group tolerance
• Conduct mechanistic studies combining control experiments, intermediate analysis, and stereochemical correlation
• Investigate catalyst-controlled asymmetric induction and substrate-catalyst interactions
• Purify and characterise synthesized compounds using advanced spectroscopic techniques
• Present research findings orally and in written formats for reports and publications
• Manage project timelines, planning, and day-to-day laboratory operations