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Ross Adams, a PhD researcher in the Bower Research Group at the University of Liverpool’s Department of Chemistry, has secured a prestigious postdoctoral position with Nobel Laureate Professor David MacMillan FRS at Princeton University. This opportunity places Ross among the world’s leading researchers in photoredox catalysis—an area that has revolutionized synthetic chemistry.
Ross completed his MSci in Chemistry at the University of Bristol in 2021, where he conducted research on earth-abundant metal catalysts for C–C cross-coupling reactions. He then joined the Bower group at Liverpool, initially as a vacation student, before starting his PhD in homogeneous palladium catalysis. His research has focused on developing aza-Heck initiated C–H functionalisation cascade reactions, providing access to complex nitrogen-containing molecules with potential applications in pharmaceuticals. In his final year, he shifted his focus to studies toward the synthesis of indole alkaloids, including Magniflorine and Criofolinine.
During his PhD, Ross has made significant contributions to the field, publishing in high-impact journals, including the Journal of the American Chemical Society. He has also co-authored entries in the e-EROS Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, with another manuscript currently in preparation.
Speaking about his next steps, Ross said:
"I’m ecstatic! The MacMillan lab is at the forefront of photoredox catalysis, and I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in this field. Their work in ‘metallophotoredox’—which combines photoredox catalysis with traditional homogeneous catalysis—opens up entirely new reaction pathways. I’m particularly looking forward to learning how the group tackles industrially relevant problems and translates their discoveries into real-world applications."
Ross credits his time at Liverpool for preparing him for this next stage in his career:
"Without the guidance of Professor John Bower and Dr Richard Mudd, I wouldn’t have achieved this. They’ve nurtured my curiosity and helped me push my research further. I’ve also benefited from opportunities like the Centre for Translational Molecular Synthesis (CTMS) student seminar series, which allowed me to engage with leading researchers worldwide and a PGR conference bursary that enabled me to attend the ACS Publications Symposium in Vienna, broadening my knowledge and professional network."
Looking ahead, Ross aspires to establish his own research group and continue advancing the field of synthetic chemistry. His time in the MacMillan lab will provide invaluable expertise in cutting-edge catalysis, setting the foundation for a promising academic career.
His success highlights the strength of Liverpool’s Department of Chemistry in producing world-class researchers and reflects the impact of its training and mentorship in preparing students for competitive global opportunities.
Here is a list of Ross’s publications, with another manuscript currently in preparation:
- J. Adams, R. J. Mudd and J. F. Bower; N-Boc-O-tosylhydroxylamine (update) in e-EROS Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Wiley-VCH, 2025.
- J. Adams, P. G. Pringle and J. F. Bower; 1,3,5,7-Tetramethyl-8-phenyl-2,4,6-trioxa-8-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]decane in e-EROS Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Wiley-VCH, 2023, In press.
- Jing, B. T. Jones, R. J. Adams and J. F. Bower; Cyclopropane-fused N-heterocycles via aza-Heck triggered C(sp3)-H functionalization cascades. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 16749-16754.
- R J. Adams and J. F. Bower; General Access to Spirocyclic N-Heterocycles via an aza-Heck initiated C(sp2)-H Functionalization-Annulation Cascade. Manuscript in preparation.