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In our group you will learn the art of synthetic organic chemistry and the skills necessary to work in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry. We always welcome curious and motivated young chemists. 

Graduate Students

Graduate students in our group work on developing new and useful reactions for organic synthesis.  I provide clear and continuous research direction. There are always aspects of our research that are challenging and interesting, and a key part of the graduate student experience in our group involves solving synthetic challenges.

Training outside the lab includes regular course work in organic chemistry and related areas (spectroscopy, organometallics, etc.), weekly problem solving sessions, research seminars by invited speakers,  yearly research evaluations, attendance to conferences and professional training.

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Students in my group are eligible for reduced teaching load

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If you are interested in joining the group please contact me directly and I will be happy to discuss this with you. Applications can be submitted anytime

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Post-Doctoral Researchers

Post-doctoral fellows in my group conduct research in fundamental organic and medicinal chemistry. Funding for post-doctoral fellows is limited and I will advertise open positions here.

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Post-doctoral fellows support an ongoing medicinal chemistry program by synthesizing small drug-like molecules in a hit-to-lead optimization campaign. 

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Interested candidates will have a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry and a demonstrated record of problem-solving skills in the context of small molecule synthesis.

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Responsibilities and skills:

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- Synthesis, purification and characterization of drug like compounds

- Critical review of the chemical literature to solve synthetic challenges

- Preparation of weekly progress reports to support publications and patents

- Supervision and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students

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We offer a competitive post-doctoral salary and benefits. 

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Interested applicants should contact professor Orellana by e-mail with a CV, detailed research summary and references.

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We currently do not have opportunities for post-doctoral fellows.

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Undergraduate Students

There are three ways undergraduate students can gain research experience in our group:

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Undergraduate Thesis (CHEM 4000)

On average we host two undergraduate CHEM 4000 students during the year, either during the summer between the 3rd and 4th year of study or during the 4th year of the chemistry program. We give priority to students who are keenly interested in organic chemistry. Undergraduates are charged with their own research project and generally guided as a new graduate student would be, with the help of a senior graduate student. Through this research experience students learn skills they can use in a chemistry research environment. 

Successful research projects are published in peer-reviewed journals with the undergraduate students as co-authors.

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NSERC USRA and York DURA Students

Talented 3rd and 4th year students can secure research funding through the NSERC Undergraduate Summer Research Awards and the Dean's Undergraduate Research Award programs. These competitive scholarships are open to students with excellent academic standing. Applications are usually made in January and require support from a research supervisor. If you are interested in this program please contact me and I would be happy to consider your application.

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Student Volunteers

Occasionally we host student volunteers who wish to gain research experience in organic chemistry.

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