Harnessing Organometallic Catalysis to Optimise Clinical Diagnostics using Hyperpolarisation.

Background The use of magnetically aligned probes (hyperpolarisation) has become a widely-recognised approach for enhancing the detection of biochemical markers associated with diseases using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and offers significant potential to improve clinical diagnostics. One of the most successful methods to achieve this involves utilising magnetically aligned parahydrogen (p-H₂), by embedding it into a functionalised alkyne via an organometallic-catalysed hydrogenation reaction to produce a hyperpolarised alkene, which can then be used as hyperpolarised biomarker.

Objectives In collaboration with our industrial project partners, the German quantum biotech scaleup NVision, there is now an exciting opportunity to further improve the organometallic catalysts used for the key hydrogenation step. By optimising the catalyst system through targeted synthesis using a mechanism/kinetics led design approach, this parahydrogen-derived sensitisation technique will deliver improved biochemically-relevant hyperpolarised disease probes by the rapid catalytic hydrogenation of functionalised organic hydrogen acceptors using p-H₂.

Novelty The combination of organometallic synthesis, catalysis, kinetics/mechanism, advanced NMR/hyperpolarisation methods and end-user clinical diagnostic technologies is exciting and novel. The project takes organometallic chemistry and catalysis into new and exciting directions – blending fundamental synthetic discoveries with real-world impact.

Experimental approach and Scientific Training The 3.5-year PhD program will provide comprehensive training in synthesis, catalysis, reaction mechanism analysis, NMR and associated hyperpolarisation techniques using p-H₂. The project includes a placement with our industrial sponsor to test the newly developed catalysts within their automated hyperpolarisation delivery system (see: https://www.nvision-imaging.com). This project is co-supervised by Profs. Simon Duckett and Andrew Weller, and the PhD graduate student will be embedded into both world-leading research groups, receiving full support and training.

What makes a suitable candidate? The successful candidate is likely to have demonstrated good air-sensitive organometallic synthetic skills and be confident about using NMR spectroscopy as an analytical tool. The willingness to apply knowledge to new areas, work across discipline boundaries between a number of research groups, and be target-focussed but adaptable will be seen as advantageous. This position is particularly suitable for candidates with a strong interest in both fundamental research and industrial application.

Training

You will follow our core cohort-based training programme to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills, as well as training on specific techniques and equipment. Training includes employability and professionalism, graduate teaching assistant training and guidance on writing papers.

https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/training-and-careers/ 

There will be opportunities for networking and sharing your work both within and beyond the University. Funding is provided to enable you to attend conferences and external training. The department also runs a varied and comprehensive seminar programme.

Equality and Diversity

The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students.  The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/

As part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity, and Widening Participation, we are working with the YCEDE project (https://ycede.ac.uk/) to improve the number of under-represented groups participating in doctoral study.  

Entry requirements 

You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a relevant related subject.   Check the entry requirements for your country: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/

For more information about the project, click on the supervisor’s name above to email them. 

For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution.

Guidance for applicants: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/phd-mphil/ 

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3

The start date of the PhD will be 15 September 2025

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found so early application is advised.