EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP)
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) is a collaboration between the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) at the University of York
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (CSHP CDT) is a collaboration between the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) at the University of York.
The overarching objective is to train students to supersede current practices for the synthesis of functional organic molecules by developing sustainable, field-advancing synthetic pathways to the complex targets needed in drug discovery, agrochemistry, and materials development.
Student cohorts will work together on a 4-month training period, spending time at both the University of Oxford and the University of York. The costs associated with staying away from your host institution will be covered by the programme.
Following the completion of the 4-month training period students will begin to work on their main PhD projects. These substantive projects will be industry co-supervised, and based at either Oxford or York.
Find out more about the CSHP CDT
Open to UK (home) students only.
You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent. We welcome applications if your background provides the necessary skills, knowledge and experience for the CDT, in chemistry or chemical engineering.
The CSHP CDT is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. For more information see our Postgraduate English language requirements.
Application deadline: Wednesday 29 January 2025, 11.59pm GMT
The first deadline for the Centre for Doctoral Training in Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet will close on the 15th November. We will continue to receive applications following the 15th November deadline, however some of the projects may be filled following the assessment of the first round of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application where possible by the 15th November to ensure that your first choice in the project is available.
To submit your application, please use the University's online application system.
Please submit only one application to York for the CSHP Centre for Doctoral Training.
In the Research Proposal Section of the application form please state the 3 CSHP projects you are interested in. Your research interests and experiences should be included in your Personal Statement.
Please be aware that your application will be shared with the CSHP Leadership Team, who are based at the University of Oxford and the University of York.
Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and applicants are normally notified promptly.
If you're shortlisted you'll be invited for an interview.
You'll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list, or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 2 weeks.
The studentships are fully funded for four years and you must complete your PhD within those four years.
You'll receive a minimum of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax-free and does not need to be paid back.
The following projects are currently available. Additional detailed information can be seen on the CSHP how to apply page.
- Green Polymers from Sugars towards Polyethylene-Like Materials
- sp3-sp2 Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Heterocyclic Organoborons: Exploring 3D Pharmaceutical Space
- An exploration of “greener” alternatives for oligonucleotide synthesis
- Late-Stage Oxygenation of Medicinally Important Bridged Bicyclic Hydrocarbons using Unspecific Peroxygenases (UPOs)