Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Synthetic Organic Chemistry (Fixed Term)

The project concerns the development of new catalytic approaches to enantioselective radical reactions that utilise ion-pairing interactions. Radical reactions, in which electrons move singly rather than in pairs, have seen an immense pace of development in recent years. These exciting developments, many of which produce stereocentres, have served to highlight the ongoing challenge of rendering radical reactions enantioselective. Whilst many of the key enantiocontrol strategies from the two-electron world have been applied, these are ineffective in many situations and each strategy possesses specific limitations. Our group is interested in an approach to catalysis that utilises attractive non-covalent interactions between catalyst and substrate to draw the two close and better exercise control (for a review see Nature Chem., 2020, 12, 990). Particularly, ion-pairing is one of the most fundamental and powerful non-covalent interactions but is frequently underexplored by synthetic chemists
as a controlling force. We have used this extensively in the context of transition metal catalysis (for a perspective see J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2022, 144, 18195) and now seek to apply this knowledge to challenges in radical chemistry. Previous work in the group has used chiral phosphoric acids to develop the first protocol for enantioselective Minisci reacitons (see Acc. Chem. Res. 2023, 56, 2037-2049). In this project we will more seek to apply ion-pairing approaches to tackle a broad range of radical reactions and render them enantioselective.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. Experience in modern synthetic techniques in a leading research environment is essential, ideally in the development of new methodology. A strong track record of achievement during the PhD is desirable. There may be flexibility a start date for an outstanding applicant. The appointee will be expected to give oral presentations on their work, write internal reports and produce draft publications, and relevant communication skills are required. In addition to their own research, the appointee will be expected to take some responsibility for the supervision and training of post-graduate and undergraduate research students and for the day-to-day running of the laboratory.