Sustainable High-Throughput Synthesis for Next-Generation Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a multidisciplinary team working towards improving the sustainability of pharmaceutical production. You will work alongside a postdoctoral researcher and academic staff to develop and apply batch high-throughput experimentation (HTE) methods and synthetic chemistry workflows to support the transition from batch to continuous flow processes.<br /> <br /> This project has been funded by the University of Leeds to work alongside a £10M+ project funded by innovate UK and will involve collaboration with industry partners including AstraZeneca, Labman and Britest.<br /> <br /> Project Overview<br /> This PhD project will focus on:<br /> • Designing and executing high-throughput synthetic experiments to generate datasets for machine learning-driven optimisation.<br /> • Developing robust synthetic routes for pharmaceutically relevant compounds.<br /> • Collaborating with a postdoctoral researcher to integrate HTE data into autonomous flow reactor platforms.<br /> • Embedding sustainability metrics into synthetic route selection and optimisation.<br /> <br /> Candidate Profile<br /> You should have:<br /> • A first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related discipline.<br /> • Strong practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry.<br /> • Interest in automation, data-driven experimentation, and sustainable chemistry.<br /> • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.<br /> • Experience with HTE, flow chemistry, or analytical techniques (desirable but not essential).<br /> <br /> What We Offer<br /> • Access to state-of-the-art facilities in the Institute of Process Research and Development.<br /> • Opportunities to collaborate with leading industrial partners.<br /> • Training in advanced synthetic techniques, automation, and data analysis.<br /> • A supportive and inclusive research environment.

<p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/multi-million-pound-backing-for-cutting-edge-projects-by-uk-scientists-and-innovators">Multi-million pound backing for cutting edge projects by UK scientists and innovators - GOV.UK</a></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 FT </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong><em>Sustainable High-Throughput Synthesis for Next-Generation Pharmaceutical Manufacturing</em></strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-process-research-development/staff/4206/prof-richard-bourne">Professor Richard Bourne</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/15437/dr-gilian-thomas">Dr Gilian Thomas</a> as your proposed supervisors. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is School of Chemistry Studentship 2026/27.</strong></em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Friday 30 January 2026.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  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 that 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 30 January 2026:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the 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>

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>A highly competitive School of Chemistry Studentship, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p>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 style="margin-bottom:11px">For further information about our application process, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>If you would like to discuss this opportunity before applying, please feel free to contact Professor Richard Bourne (<a href="mailto:R.A.Bourne@leeds.ac.uk">R.A.Bourne@leeds.ac.uk</a>) and Dr Gilian Thomas (<a href="mailto:G.T.Thomas@leeds.ac.uk">G.T.Thomas@leeds.ac.uk</a>), who will be happy to answer any questions and provide further insight into the project.</p>