Digitally directed optimisation of mixed metal oxide catalysts for hydrogenations of heteroaromatics and downstream functionalisation

The future of sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on developing more efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic processes. This project aims to create novel catalysts that will significantly enhance the efficiency of key chemical transformations, particularly hydrogenation reactions which are ubiquitous in the pharmaceutical industry. By leveraging recent advances in digital chemistry and continuous flow technologies, you will revolutionise both the speed of catalyst development and the depth of mechanistic understanding. Autonomous reactors driven by machine learning algorithms will be used to rapidly optimise the substrate scope and explore the integration of these novel hydrogenation catalysts into multistep, telescoped flow processes. A combination of economic and environmental process metrics will be targeted during optimisation, which is crucial for reducing the overall carbon footprint of the pharmaceutical industry.<br /> <br /> We are recruiting a motivated PhD student to develop automated flow technologies to enable the next generation of metal oxide catalysts for synthesis of products within the pharmaceutical sector. This project aims to deliver a transformative shift in the area of catalysis development for pharmaceutical synthesis, an area of research which could enable the UK to compete with foreign outsourced research and manufacturing. Digitally directed continuous flow chemistry is currently underutilised, particularly in the pharmaceutical and high value chemical industries. Specifically, optimisation of heterogeneously catalysed reactions with gases across a broader range of chemical and parameter space through the use of continuous flow processing will enable a wider range of potential products and more sustainable and profitable processing. This approach will rapidly influence pharmaceutical process development by enabling efficient determination of optimal processes and accurate appraisal of different processing options. <br />

<p style="margin-bottom:4px; text-align:justify">This project builds on the strong relationship between the Universities of Leeds and Liverpool, harnessing the complementary expertise of both institutes, and is supported by AstraZeneca. The student working on this project will be based primarily at Leeds with a series of periodic, short and sustained, visits to Liverpool during the project, and a 3 month industrial placement in AstraZeneca.  The ideal candidate has a strong interest in automation, catalysis and organic synthesis. Effective written and verbal communication skills, good time-management and the ability to work in a collaborative environment are essential.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study Section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Digitally directed optimisation of mixed metal oxide catalysts for hydrogenations of heteroaromatics and downstream functionalisation</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4213/prof-tom-chamberlain">Professor Thomas Chamberlain</a> as your proposed supervisor.  Please state that the funding you are applying for is <em><strong>EPSRC CASE Collaborative Studentship 2025/26: Chemistry</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the deadline.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before formally applying.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early should we receive a sufficient number of applications or a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project or a Research Proposal if applying with your own project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p> </p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC CASE Collaborative Studentship in partnership with AstraZeneca, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 for academic session 2024/25) and an additional Top-Up of £4,000 per year for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Thomas Chamberlain by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">T.W.Chamberlain@leeds.ac.uk</a> or Dr Adam Clayton by email to <a href="mailto:A.D.Clayton@leeds.ac.uk">A.D.Clayton@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>