Modulation of bioactive peptides via a combination of synthetic and computational chemistry methods (2019)

What you get

You receive:

• fully-funded tuition fees for three and a half years
• £15,009 grant for your living costs per annum for three and a half years
• Researcher Training Support Grant for three and a half years (we will confirm the amount at the start of the project)

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

Modulation of bioactive peptides via a combination of synthetic and computational chemistry methods

Our multidisciplinary research group focuses on the use of experimental and computational approaches to design new bioactive peptidesas novel therapeutic leads for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and cancer.

Our trans-disciplinary research, performed in collaboration with neuroscientists at St Andrews University, is at the frontiers of biology, chemistry and computational science and aims to tackle the shortcomings of the extant peptide-based therapeutics, thereby bringing this technology closer to robust in vivo implementation, and, therefore, closer to clinical trials.

The current project aims to develop our catalytic methodologies to generate analogues of bioactive peptides in an efficient and sustainable manner.  These peptides will be subjected to biological assays to fully explore and establish their structure–activity relationships.

This PhD will enable the successful candidate to acquire a broad range of skills in general synthetic chemistry (the development of catalytic methods in particular), as well as in computational modelling and the design of peptides and their evaluation via bioassays.

Eligibility

This funded position, which covers fees and a stipend at standard RCUK rates, is open to Home / EU applicants.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in synthetic chemistry, catalysis and analytical techniques such as NMR spectroscopy; additional experience in computational chemistry would be advantageous.

Eligible candidates will have recently received an MSc and/or a First or high 2:1 BSc in a relevant subject. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any section.

Deadline

1 July 2019 0:00

How to apply

Please submit a formal application using our online application system, including a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and names of two academic referees.

 

On the application system:

• Programme of Study – PhD Chemistry
• Awards detail - School of Life Sciences funded studentship.
• Supervisor - Dr Pubill-Ulldemolins

 

Contact us

For enquiries about the project contact Dr Pubill-Ulldemolins (C.Pubill-Ulldemolins@sussex.ac.uk)

For enquiries about the application process contact Emma Chorley (lifesciphd@sussex.ac.uk)