Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position working with Prof. Stephen Connon based in the School of Chemistry, Trinity College Dublin on an exciting project to develop new methodologies for enantioselective nucleophilic catalysis. We have recently shown that the traditional paradigm of designing chiral nucleophilic catalysts (e.g. chiral DMAP derivatives) involving trying to balance catalyst nucleophilicity with the installation of chiral information close enough to the nucleophilic active site to influence the stereochemical outcome can be abandoned through the divorce of the nucleophilic unit from the chiral information through the design of ionic systems. The current project involves the further exploitation of this discovery towards the development of unprecedentedly active and selective systems for use in target oriented synthesis and more sustainable enantioselective catalysis. Our group uses (in collaboration with Dr Cris Trujillo) computational design techniques before catalyst preparation is undertaken and the successful candidate will gain experience working in an in silico-guided design environment.
We have utilised similar technology to develop highly active systems for simple, greener recycling of plastic bottles - the accumulation of which is contributing to the current climatological and environmental emergency.
The successful candidate will have, or be about to obtain, a PhD or equivalent in organic chemistry/catalysis. A strong track record in modern techniques of organic synthesis is essential. Would also suit a person enthusiastic about utilising their organic chemistry skills to help alleviate environmental problems. This project is well beyond the proof of concept stage so the potential for driving it to completion is considerable.
Recent relevant reference:
‘Enantioselective catalysis by fluoride ions’, R. Craig, M. Litvajova, S. A. Cronin and S. J. Connon*, Chem. Commun. 2018, 54, 10108.