DrRoderick Jones

Originally from Australia, I obtained a Chemistry PhD in the areas of synthesis, catalysis and flow chemistry/technology from the University of Tasmania.

After being awarded an IRC Empower Fellowship, I moved to Dublin in 2011 to successfully develop flow palladium mediated C-H activation strategies for the synthesis of medically relevant alkenes. After which I translated to the Royal College of Surgeons examining the use of novel/green silicon reagents for alkene functionalisation and bi-aryl formation. Additional responsibilities include the synthetic development of near-infrared fluorophores and their conjugatable analogues.

I was awarded a Research Fellowship in the Solid state pharmaceutical cluster (SSPC) (2014-2019) in this role I was responsible for the day-to-day management and leadership of the group; including budget management, development of research ideas and implementation across the group, as well as developing external collaborations with academic and industrial partners.

Having had the opportunity to work with the SSPC, I have since taken up an Assistant Professor role in Chemical Engineering & Bioprocessing at UCD. Within this role I have been given the fantastic opportunity to work across the interface between chemistry and engineering; delivering unique research and teaching opportunities that will benefit the wider community.

Over my career I have worked at the interfaces of chemistry, engineering and technology development. I have extensive experience in flow chemistry, continuous chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, organic synthesis, organometalic synthesis, applications of 3D printing for reaction engineering, unit operation design and integration and pharmaceutical process development.

From my time working in the research pharmaceutical and technology sectors (over 17 years) I have identified a new generation of challenges to be solved - technology development for reaction access/enabling across multiple phases, platforms for alternative reaction media, personalised medicine and patient well being/compliance.
To address these issues, my research is focused in four main strands
- Multiphasic chemistry
- Chemical alternatives – biomass derived solvents - sustainable pharmaceutical synthesis
- Medicine on demand
- Drug delivery

I am seeking academic and industrial partners for active collaboration and joint research, please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss participation in joint research programs. Please see my research profile for more information on my research goals and interests.