Developing Drugs from Natural Product Scaffolds

We wish to synthesise druglike entities starting from a natural product scaffold that we can acquire in gram quantities. This will involve chemical synthesis, late-stage functionalisation, atom economical catalysis, mechanochemistry, use of preparative HPLC, microwaves, flow chemistry.

The student will be trained in an industry-standard laboratory, learn about parallel synthesis and library generation and fundamentals of medicinal chemistry (through taught classes and, also, through the PhD laboratory project) such as bioisosteres, conformational restriction, use of solubilising groups, working in a team comprising several industrially-experience postdoctoral chemists and biologists. There is also a possibility to develop druglike entities and learn about Home Office Licensing and GMP.

There will be an opportunity as part of the training programme to spend time (usually 3 months) in the industrial partner’s laboratories.

How to apply:

Please submit a formal application using the online system at www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply attaching a CV, degree transcripts and certificates, statement of interest and two academic references.

On the application system select Programme of Study – PhD Chemistry. Please ensure you state the project title under funding and include the proposed supervisor’s name where required.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in organic chemistry. Eligible applicants will hold a 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 not less than 6.0 in any section.

For enquiries about the application process, contact Emma Chorley: lifesci-rec@sussex.ac.uk

For enquiries about the project, contact supervisors: j.spencer@sussex.ac.uk; b.w.greenland@sussex.ac.uk