PhD Studentship: High-Throughput Robotics in a Combined Organic Synthesis / X-ray Crystallography Approach for the Structural Elucidation of Complex Molecules

Award summary 

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate).  

Overview 

This PhD project aims to develop a rapid method for the structural elucidation and investigation of complex sample limited small molecules, such as natural products, drug molecules and synthetic intermediates, by facilitating the use of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Organic synthesis and X-ray crystallography will come together, aided by the use of high-throughput (HTP) nanoscale robotics, to provide novel solutions to structural and stereochemical elucidation. The project will provide training in organic chemistry, organic analytical techniques (NMR, HRMS etc), classical organic synthesis and the development of new reactions, HTP organic chemistry with robotics, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The project builds on previous work by the groups of Dr MJ Hall and Prof MR Probert at Newcastle University (Chem 2020, 6, 1755-1765; Chem. Soc. Rev. 2023, 52, 1995-2010; JACS 2023, 145, 23352-23360), and would suit applicants keen to push the boundaries of what is possible with HTP robotics in organic chemistry, whilst learning cutting edge analytical skills around single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A successful applicant will work with groups in both synthetic organic and crystallography labs (part of the UK National Crystallography Service), and the project has the potential for an industrial placement opportunity. 

Number of awards 

1 

Start date  

16th September 2024 

Award duration 

3 years 

Application closing date 

8th May 2024 

Sponsor 

EPRSC(DTP) and Indicatrix Crystallography Ltd. 

Name of supervisor/s 

Dr Michael Hall and Prof Michael Probert 

Eligibility Criteria 

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Chemistry). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.  

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.  

How to apply 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.   

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:   

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F 
• Research Area: Chemistry 
• select ‘PhD Chemistry (full time) – Chemistry ‘  as the programme of study  

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:   

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form   
• the studentship code SNES291 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field   
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.    

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.  

Contact Details 

[email protected]; [email protected]