Tung Vo
Manchester,UK
Summary
Experienced synthetic organic chemist with 5 years of academic laboratory experience. Particularly driven by the production of materials such as pharmaceuticals, organic electronics, electrochromic materials and synthetic dyes. Currently looking for a position involving the application of practical skills and knowledge in organic chemistry to synthesis and produce these important and versatile products.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of post-secondary education
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Gap Year Travel and Exploration
2024.05 - 2025.08
- Travelled extensively around countries in Europe and Asia to explore and learn different national cultures and traditions. Countries travelled to include France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Turkey and Vietnam.
Research Chemist
Apex Molecular Ltd
Alderley Park
2024.01 - 2024.05
- Part of large FTE chemistry team synthesising building blocks and potential pharmaceuticals for external client.
- Performed multi-step and varied syntheses, on >10 g to 10-20 mg. Types of reactions conducted included; protecting group strategies, transition metal catalysis, reductive aminations, alkylations and amide bond formations.
- Also gained experience in automated purification techniques including HPLC.
Summer internship
Gardiner Research Group
Manchester
2017.07 - 2017.08
- Performed fluorination reactions on certain carbohydrate molecules in order to make them suitable drug precursor molecules which could interact better with binding sites.
- Example included Diacetone-D-Glucose with series of fluorinating agents such as DAST and XtalFluor-E.
- Sucessfully obtained desired products from using flash column chromatography to separate desired product from side products and other impurities.
Summer internship
Quayle Research Group
Manchester
2016.07 - 2016.08
- Focused on synthesis of various heterocyclic azo dyes that had antibiotic properties. Obtained yields up to 56 % of desired products.
- Gained first hand experience of flash column chromatography.
Summer internship
High Force Research Ltd
Durham
2015.07 - 2015.08
- Worked as trainee research chemist synthesising modified dextran-coated iron nano particles that were used as MRI contrast agents.
Education
PGCE in Secondary Education - Chemistry
The University of Manchester
ManchesterPhD - Organic Chemistry
The University of Manchester and ASTAR Institute of Materials Research And Engineering
Manchester and Singapore 2018.01 - 2023.01
MChem (Hons) - Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
The University of Manchester
Manchester 2014.09 - 2018.07
A–Levels - Chemistry (A), Biology (A), Mathematics (A)
St Leonard’s Catholic School
Durham 2012.09 - 2014.06
Skills
- Practical chemistry - Perform reactions under inert conditions
- Purification techniques - Flash Column Chromatography, Recrystallisation
- Analytical chemistry and spectroscopy - 1H NMR and 13C NMR Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, IR Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy
- Computer skills - ChemDraw, MestRaNova NMR processor, Origin 2020b, Microsoft Office Software Suite
- COSHH safety planning
- Public speaking
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Calm under pressure
- Strategic planning
Certification
Associate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Membership Number: 800757
PUBLICATIONS:
Pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyridine-1,2-dione: An Electron Acceptor for Electrochromic Conjugated Polymers (Accepted on 8th November 2022, published 11th November 2022) Polym. Chem., 2022, 13, 6512 – 6524 https://doi.org/10.1039/D2PY00863G
PASSIONS AND HOBBIES:
- Dedicated athlete, usually run 15 miles a week and lift weights up to 140 kg to maintain healthy lifestyle.
- Passionate about traveling and exploring areas of historical scientific discoveries.
- Enjoy reading the latest research publications along with a variety of books ranging from military history, and the history of scientific and technological advances through the ages.
- Historical reenactor volunteer at various vintage and reenactment events
- Other hobbies include small time acting and amateur photography.
Languages
English
Fluent
Vietnamese
Fluent
Timeline
Gap Year Travel and Exploration
2024.05 - 2025.08
Research Chemist
Apex Molecular Ltd
2024.01 - 2024.05
PhD - Organic Chemistry
The University of Manchester and ASTAR Institute of Materials Research And Engineering
2018.01 - 2023.01
Summer internship
Gardiner Research Group
2017.07 - 2017.08
Summer internship
Quayle Research Group
2016.07 - 2016.08
Summer internship
High Force Research Ltd
2015.07 - 2015.08
MChem (Hons) - Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
The University of Manchester
2014.09 - 2018.07
A–Levels - Chemistry (A), Biology (A), Mathematics (A)
St Leonard’s Catholic School
2012.09 - 2014.06
PGCE in Secondary Education - Chemistry
The University of Manchester