Organisation/Company Trinity College Dublin Department School of Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 May 2026 - 22:00 (Europe/Dublin) Country Ireland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD in organic synthesis and chemical biology, with a focus on carbohydrate chemistry in marine systems. The successful candidate will join the research group of Dr.ConorCrawford and use chemical synthesis to uncover how marine polysaccharides contribute to global carbon sequestration.
Project Description
Marine algae produce complex polysaccharides (glycans) that play a poorly understood but potentially critical role in long-term carbon sequestration. This PhD project will use chemical synthesis and chemical biology to decode the molecular structures responsible for these properties.
This project will combine organic synthesis and chemical biology to:
Synthesise defined oligosaccharides and chemical probes using organic synthesis
Use chemical probes to investigate glycan carbon cycling in marine microbiomes
Explore the biological and potential medical properties of algal glycans
Working at the interface of organic synthesis and chemical biology, the successful candidate will investigate how specific glycans sequester carbon. The project is in a rapidly expanding research area, offering opportunities to publish and collaborate internationally and carry out your PhD in the TCD School of Chemistry, within the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI).
This is a fully funded 4-year PhD position. This includes:
Annual stipend: €25,000
Annual student fee contribution: €5,750 (covers EU/EEA/UK/Swiss student fees)
Full project costs covered, including consumables, conference travel, and equipment
The PhD will provide training in advanced synthetic chemistry and chemical biology, with close supervision.
Where to apply
E-mail conor.crawford@tcd.ie
Requirements
Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Chemistry Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will:
Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical biology, or a related discipline
Have experience and a strong interest in organic synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, and/or chemical biology
Demonstrate analytical skills in the laboratory
Be curious, motivated, and enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research
Enthusiasm and willingness to learn new techniques are more important than existing specialisation in the glycosciences.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Chemistry » Organic chemistryChemistry » Molecular chemistry Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute School of Chemistry, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin Country Ireland City Dublin Postal Code D02 R590 Street 152-160 Pearse St Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr