PhD in Chemistry – Development of Organic Synthetic Methods for the Discovery of Novel Fluorescent- and Radionuclide-Based Imaging Agents

Start Date: 1st October 2025 

Candidates are invited to apply for a PhD position in the School of Chemistry, available to commence on 1st October 2025 in the Sutherland research group. The PhD project aims to use organic synthesis to prepare novel fluorescent- and radionuclide-based (PET and SPECT) compounds with clearly defined properties that can act as imaging agents for biological and medical applications. The synthetic chemistry will focus on the development of novel transition-metal-catalysed reactions for the key bond-forming steps. Following development of the synthetic methodology, small libraries of compounds will be prepared and fully characterised to discover new leads. These will then be investigated as probes for interaction with target enzymes and receptors.  

More information on the Sutherland research group can be found at: http://www.chem.gla.ac.uk/staff/andrews/ 

For example papers from the group, see: J. Org. Chem., 2022, 87, 14443; Org. Lett., 2023, 25, 5844; Org. Lett., 2024, 26, 1528; Org. Lett., 2024, 26, 5391; Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 5944. 

Applications should be sent to Professor Andrew Sutherland ([email protected]) and include a full CV, with details of all University course grades to date, research experience, contact details of at least two academic referees and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the PhD position. 

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality. As an Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder, the School of Chemistry has equality, diversity and inclusion at its heart, and actively supports applications from all sections of society. More details of the School’s Athena SWAN activities can be found here: 

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/abouttheschool/athenaswan/ 

Following informal applications described above, formal applications can then proceed as outlined: 

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.