PhD – Organic Synthesis and Chemical Biology – Ireland

Trinity College Dublin is offering a PhD position in Organic Synthesis and Chemical Biology.

Seaweed sequesters large amounts of carbon in the ocean; however, the molecular mechanisms that allow this carbon to be stored for centuries are still poorly understood. This PhD project asks a fundamental question of global relevance:how does the structure of glycans control carbon sequestration in marine systems?

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

Project description: 

Marine algae produce complex polysaccharides (glycans) that play a little-known but potentially crucial role in long-term carbon sequestration. This PhD project will use chemical synthesis and chemical biology to decipher the molecular structures responsible for these properties.

This project will combine organic synthesis and chemical biology to:

• Synthesise defined oligosaccharides and chemical probes through organic synthesis.
• Use chemical probes to investigate the carbon cycle of glycans in marine microbiomes.
• Explore the potential biological and medical properties of algal glycans..

Working at the interface between organic synthesis and biological chemistry, the successful candidate will investigate how specific glycans sequester carbon. The project is part of a rapidly expanding area of research, offering opportunities for publication and international collaboration, as well as a PhD at the TCD School of Chemistry, within the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute(TBSI).

Requirements:

• 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.
• Excellent level of English.

Benefits:

• Annual scholarship: €25,000.
• Annual contribution to tuition fees: €5,750.
• Full coverage of project costs (consumables, travel to conferences, equipment).

Organisation/company: Trinity College Dublin.

Field of research: Chemistry » Organic chemistry. Chemistry » Molecular chemistry.

Research profile: Early-stage researcher (R1).

Country: Ireland.

Application deadline: 31 May 2026 – 22:00 (Europe/Dublin).

More information: Euraxess.