TUO
e–mides – Amides as Versatile Building Blocks via Reductive Activation
✓ Funded (Competition)
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Computational Chemistry
🎓 Organic Chemistry
🎓 Synthetic Chemistry
electrochemistry
funded PhD
amides
cross-coupling
organic synthesis
photocatalysis
reductive activation
synthetic chemistry
Competition funded PhD at The University of Manchester focused on reductive activation of amides for sustainable catalytic transformations in synthetic organic chemistry.
Project Description
This PhD project focuses on developing efficient and sustainable strategies to convert amides into reactive intermediates for catalytic transformations. The research will explore single-electron transfer reduction of amides to activate C(sp3)–N bonds and enable new synthetic methods.
The project will involve:
electrochemical and photocatalytic activation of amides
development of carbon–carbon bond-forming cross-coupling reactions
modification of nitrogen-containing heterocycles
sustainable catalysis using Earth-abundant metals
computational studies for reaction design, optimisation, and mechanistic understanding
The work includes collaboration with Dr Cristina Trujillo and scientists at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Training will cover synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, electrochemistry, photochemistry, and computational chemistry. Analytical techniques include NMR, cyclic voltammetry, EPR, and UV–vis spectroscopy.
Entry Requirements
At least an Upper Second-class UK honours degree or international equivalent in Chemistry or a related chemical sciences discipline
A first degree plus a UK Master’s degree or equivalent is also accepted
Equivalent experience or alternative qualifications may be considered
Experience in synthetic organic chemistry is highly desirable
A first degree plus a UK Master’s degree or equivalent is also accepted
Equivalent experience or alternative qualifications may be considered
Experience in synthetic organic chemistry is highly desirable
How to Apply
Contact the supervisor before applying.
Submit a formal application through the University of Manchester online portal.
Include:
full project title
supervisor name
funding plans
previous study details
names and contact details of two referees
Make sure all required documents are submitted at the time of application.
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Giacomo Crisenza at giacomo.crisenza@manchester.ac.uk
with a CV and optional cover letter. For admissions questions, contact FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Submit a formal application through the University of Manchester online portal.
Include:
full project title
supervisor name
funding plans
previous study details
names and contact details of two referees
Make sure all required documents are submitted at the time of application.
For informal enquiries, contact Dr Giacomo Crisenza at giacomo.crisenza@manchester.ac.uk
with a CV and optional cover letter. For admissions questions, contact FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DG
Dr Giacomo Crisenza, Dr Cristina Trujillo
The University of Manchester, Department of Chemistry
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