PhD Position in Organic Synthesis and Chemical Biology

9 Feb 2026
Job Information

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

Marine algae sequester vast amounts of carbon in the ocean, yet the molecular mechanisms that allow this carbon to be stored for centuries remain poorly understood. This PhD project asks a fundamental question with global relevance: how does glycan structure control carbon sequestration in marine systems? 

By combining organic synthesis and chemical biology, the project aims to uncover the molecular features of marine polysaccharides that underpin this process.

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).

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

Internal Application form(s) needed
PhD_Crawford_2026.pdf
English
(289.1 KB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://www.crawford-lab.eu/

Work Location(s)

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

Contact

City

Dublin

Website

https://www.crawford-lab.eu/
https://chemistry.tcd.ie/

Street

152 Pearse St

E-Mail

conor.crawford@tcd.ie

STATUS: EXPIRED

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